A Loving Father

I am fond of reading novels. But not that much that it consumed most of my time. In my leisure time, probably, I inclined to open every pages of each chapter full of excitement.  John Grisham is one of the authors I really salute for the suspense of litigation process, play inside the courtroom, the business law, the triumph and joy of winning the case, the fight and strategic ways of victorious defense. He has the meticulous presentation of the details, well research subject matter, as if I am reading a case study written in interesting narrative story. With the wit, satires, distinct characters and creative plot, it made me to love his works. 

In the same story, our Gospel reading yesterday spoke to a very beautiful story of kindness, repentance and forgiveness. It contains elements which held such a persistent and wide popular appeal. It has a compelling way that captures an important aspect of life. This idea meant to be striking with strong convictions of how to live life which is misguided to be difficult.

Personally, I don’t have that father and son close relationship with my father. It seemed that we had that discomfort to be with. I presumed we were still in a patriarchal paradigm of family. He was the boss, the decision maker, the sole provider and rule. He is firm, has strong personality and dedicated to his service. I had the struggle to meet all his expectations from me, from all of us. But still, I feel very fortunate that despite the gap we have had before he passed away, he filled it with full of inspiration. He will be my forever hero next to God.

The story of a prodigal son always inspires me of genuine love and commitment. It is a story of a family. It compels to hold one another in journeying life together. It describes each role of family members. It is a story of a forgiving and loving father which all attributed to God. It is the most wonderful commentaries on the relationship of God to his people.

In our imperfections, the Father will always welcome us in His Heavenly Kingdom.  He is not blind for our needs. He waits for our return. God’s love is so great, His forgiveness is unbelievable. It defeats all human calculations. God wants to reclaim every prodigal son and rejoice over him at his return. But do we ever take the risk and pain of going to the other side of the track when we falter? Can we, like the prodigal son, make a return to the Father?

Brothers and sister, “We had to celebrate… This brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life.”