By Deacon Frederick Bartels
31 March 2019
The Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke’s gospel is the most famous parable of all time. Why? Because it’s one of the greatest love stories of all time. But it’s not all roses. It’s also a story about broken hearts and rebellious, broken sons. It’s a story that teaches we must never think God to be a permissive, unjust Father. It’s a story that reminds us we must never presume on salvation and glory without merit and a full return to the arms of God.
It’s a story about the terrifying reality of sin and the necessity of repentance and confession. It’s a story about the road home for the lost, the path those who have destroyed their relationship with God through mortal sin must take. It’s about the essential nature of the sacrament of Confession and the healing, saving absolution from sin it brings. Above all, it’s a story about God the Father’s infinite love, compassion and mercy.
I have another story to tell you. It’s titled, “I’m the Prodigal Son, and This is My Story.”
We are all prodigal sons and daughters in our church every moment of our life. Even our saints prostrate before GOD and beg for forgiveness! Who can be pure before GOD? This article gets to the essence of sin, remorse, forgiveness, it draws us to the sacrament of Confession which cleanses us our sins. LORD, have mercy on me!