The depiction of the father in the Gospel of the Prodigal Son, who runs to greet his younger son upon his return after wasting his inheritance and abandoning him, is profoundly touching and comforting to me. Perhaps it is difficult for us to comprehend such unconditional love but what a gift it is to be on the receiving end and simply rest in that love.
Jesus tells this story as a challenge to the Pharisees and Scribes who were complaining about him welcoming sinners and eating with them.
Conscious of our own need for healing and forgiveness, 'a coming to our senses so to speak,' are we able to take to heart the reality of Jesus sitting us down at table, welcoming us and eating with us? Surely in accepting such profound love despite everything, we will in turn be accepting and welcoming to our brothers and sisters, even those we find difficult to love and forgive.
The song for you this week is, 'All are welcome here,' from the album, 'Truly blessed.'
All are welcome here
All are welcome here
Christ invites us as we are
All are welcome here
Our weakness and our pain
Our sorrows and our shame
Christ invites us each by name
All are welcome here
In this place there is no room for judgement
In this place there is no room to condemn
We are all on this journey together
Welcome in, Welcome in
Our troubles and our cares
Our failings through the years
Christ desires to calm our fears
All are welcome here
Despite what some may say
Despite what some may do
Christ is standing at the door
And his welcome is true
In this place there is no room for judgement…
All are welcome here…..
Blessings on your week.
My new single is now available on Spotify entitled, 'Pilgrims of Hope,' which is the theme
of our Jubilee year. Thanks to Fr James Lyons for the lyrics of this song. Click on the link below if you would like to listen to the song. I have the sheet music available too.
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