Saturday of the Second Week

Reflection
The readings today all highlight God’s amazing compassion for us in the very face of our sins and transgressions, even (and perhaps especially) in those moments when we are most distanced from God by choices we have made.  In each reading, the language of “distance” makes it clear that God still pardons us—even “delight[ing] in clemency” for us—no matter how far we have strayed.  In the first reading, the prophet Micah addresses a people long in exile, reminding them in a prayer of deliverance that that they will one day return from afar to feed in the rich pastures of the Promised Land.  In the responsorial psalm, God’s infinite love is so absolving that “as far as the east is from the west, so far he has put our transgressions from us.”  And finally, in the Gospel reading, the prodigal son is welcomed back even “while he was still a long way off,” when his father catches sight of him in the distance and is immediately “filled with compassion.”  We are indeed “crowned with kindness and compassion” by our forgiving Father, for (as Micah exults in the first reading) “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin?”

Prayer

Lord, help me always to remember that Your love is there for me, no matter how far I stray.  For who is there like You?  If I seek Your forgiveness—even from a long way off—I know that You will always welcome me back with kindness and mercy.

Joan Wry, ’79, P’10, Associate Professor of English

 Scripture
First Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website