You are welcome back
When he was yet a great way off.
In short. The Catechism says the center of the parable of the prodigal son is the merciful father.1 There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive.2
Key points
- The heart of the parable is the merciful father.1
- The robe, the ring and the banquet are symbols of new life for anyone who returns to God.1
- The gates of forgiveness are always open to anyone who turns away from sin.2
- Returning is a process born of the grace of God, who is rich in mercy.3
Try this, this week
- Read Luke 15:11-32 slowly. Notice everything the father does.
- Sit in a church for five minutes. You do not have to say anything.
- Say one honest sentence to God. Something as simple as “I want to come back.”
- Look up confession times at a parish near you, just to know.
“And rising up, he came to his father. And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion and running to him fell upon his neck and kissed him.”
Watch out: what this does not mean
- The parable is about conversion, not only feelings: the son reflects, repents and decides to declare himself guilty before his father.1
- Jesus calls sinners to conversion while showing them his Father’s boundless mercy.6
Common questions
Am I still Catholic?
The Church teaches that Baptism seals the Christian with an indelible spiritual mark of his belonging to Christ, which no sin can erase.4 The sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification.5
Is there anything God will not forgive?
The Church says there is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest.2
Remember: The father ran first.