The Merciful Father

 The Prodigal Son went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 1

There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. 2 For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him. 3

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing. 4 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 5

He does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 6

Let the wicked forsake their ways

and the unrighteous their thoughts.

Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,

and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 7

 

1 Lk 15.20-24 2 Lk 15.10 3 2Chr 30.9 4 Zeph 3.17 5 1Jn 1.9 6 Ps 103.10-13 7 Isa 55.7