Mar
23
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Mic 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Diary: 305, 648, 1421
"But now we must celebrate ... ." - Lk 15:32
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus' audience includes the well-educated Pharisees and scribes. They had complained that Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds by placing them in His parable of the Prodigal Son. They are represented by the older son who has done everything right - except he doesn't share his father's joy at the return of the prodigal.
The obedient son might have been caught a little off guard. Remember, he was in the field working and comes home to find music and dancing already in progress. He learns through a servant what the occasion is.
The older son lists his own qualities for his father and angrily declares his brother less worthy of a celebration than he is. The father explains his joy and invites the older son in. We never find out if this son joins the party.
The father - who has awaited and accepted the prodigal's repentance - represents Our Heavenly Father. Saint Faustina, whose motto was "God and souls," wanted all souls to experience mercy like that shown to the Prodigal Son. She recorded:
Readings: Mic 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Diary: 305, 648, 1421
"But now we must celebrate ... ." - Lk 15:32
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus' audience includes the well-educated Pharisees and scribes. They had complained that Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds by placing them in His parable of the Prodigal Son. They are represented by the older son who has done everything right - except he doesn't share his father's joy at the return of the prodigal.
The obedient son might have been caught a little off guard. Remember, he was in the field working and comes home to find music and dancing already in progress. He learns through a servant what the occasion is.
The older son lists his own qualities for his father and angrily declares his brother less worthy of a celebration than he is. The father explains his joy and invites the older son in. We never find out if this son joins the party.
The father - who has awaited and accepted the prodigal's repentance - represents Our Heavenly Father. Saint Faustina, whose motto was "God and souls," wanted all souls to experience mercy like that shown to the Prodigal Son. She recorded:
Today, I heard these words: The graces I grant you are not for you alone, but for a great number of other souls as well ... The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy (Diary, 723).
Prayer: Lord, may I rejoice with all of Heaven at the return of a repentant sinner.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
