Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt
and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever,
but delights rather in clemency....
The parable of the Prodigal Son ends with a celebration. We're not told if the elder son relented and welcomed his brother home, nor are we told whether the younger son had actually been changed by his sojourn among the pigs. He will certainly have a household to remind him of the experience; they might forgive but they'll never forget. In any case, the Father welcomed his son with joy and it flowed out into the world as relatives, friends, and neighbors joined the unscheduled festivity.
We too "have to rejoice" as we consider "the God who removes guilt and pardons sin."
He does not persist in anger forever,but delights rather in clemency....
We are so glad that the Lord includes us among the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; our prehistoric patriarchs to whom God first spoke. He will...
...show faithfulness to Jacob,and grace to Abraham,As you have sworn to our fathersfrom days of old.
Perhaps we sit on the bank with our Blessed Mother and delight in watching the Lord of Heaven and Earth hurl our sins into the sea like a little boy throwing rocks in a lake. "How far can you throw them?" she asks. "Can you make them skip? Jesus, can you make them skip like your Abba?"
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.