Day 4 · Lent: A Return to God
The Father Who Comes Out to Meet Us
“"He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him."”Luke 15:20
Reflection
The son had rehearsed a careful speech, expecting to be received as a hired servant, but the father never let him finish. While the son was still far off, the father was already running toward him. This is the heart of Lent: we take our first stumbling steps homeward and discover that God has been watching the road for us the whole time.
A prayer
Loving Father, I am often like the son on the road, rehearsing my apologies and bracing for rejection. Thank you that you do not wait stiffly at the door but come out to meet me while I am still far off. Quiet my fear that I have wandered too far to be welcomed. Let me feel the embrace of your compassion today, and help me to live as one who is truly home. Amen.
Carry this with you
Do I picture God as reluctant, or as coming out to meet me? What might change if I trusted the second picture?