THE GIFT WITH A RED BOW

Luke's story of the Prodigal Son in the Book of Luke is wonderful, for we are each prodigals ourselves, one way or another. Luke  15:21,22 from the Message reads "I don't deserve to be called your son ever again...but the father wasn't listening."  These words were spoken just after the Prodigal Son returned home after a long time away


No, the father wasn't listening!  He was too full of joy at having his son returned.  His joy covered his son's shame.  We can only hope that the son had another, more quiet moment to express to his father his shame for it is most important to the cleansing of the son's soul.  The words "you are forgiven" or "I forgive you" are most important to say and to hear. 


One can assume forgiveness in the father's home by the joy and celebration that ensued in the above story.  We can assume forgiveness came by the joy and celebration that ensued on that long-ago day.  But the words said are vastly important to the  sinner for he or she will have a hard time getting over the shame. The words, therefore, "Please forgive me!" must be spoken, answered by the words, "I forgive you!"  Both sets of words must be spoken, and both statements are true gifts, gifts that must be given and also, received. Forgiveness asked is a desired gift, and repentance acknowledged, also a gift.  Together these gifts are the equivalent of being wrapped up in a red bow, the joy that follows reconciliation.


And it is finished.  Done.  It is over and you never have to think of it again.  That's what Jesus did for us:  he hung for our sins, died, and rose again.  Grace given; grace received.  There is not a harder way to be forgiven; it's a way only God could grant.


"Father, Most Holy God, I beg your forgiveness for my sins known and unknown.  Thank you for the promise of forgiveness and for the grace you showed us on the cross of Jesus.  Amen.


Jo INMN