Reflection on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Perhaps the most obvious lesson of today’s Gospel is this: no matter how far we have strayed from home, the Father is always ready to run out and meet us the moment we turn back. During the Lenten season, may we all set aside our shame and turn home once more through the mystery of confession. “If we confess our sins”—fully and honestly—we will experience the forgiving and loving embrace of the heavenly Father, for “he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).