“While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his sin, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” (Lk 15:1-3, 11-32)
Today’s Gospel showed me not only the power but also the selflessness of love. The excitement and care the father expressed when his son returned home after fleeing to the country and living a life of sin reminded me of the love my parents have continuously shown me time and time again. I can relate to the story of the youngest son in the Gospel because as a college student living away from home, the journey to holiness and discerning what might be fruitful for my well-being has been challenging.
During these times, I found myself in many instances of trial and error where I could not overcome difficult situations alone. But before then, I was afraid to ask for help. I was afraid to reach out because I felt my experiences would make me hard to love. I had grown to forget the grace of true love, the type of love my family and friends have shown and given me. However, to my surprise, it was during the times when I felt most broken and unworthy of love, were the times when I felt the most loved.
Today, the Gospel reminded me that true love is not given based on merit but given out of goodness. Love is selfless, unconditional, kind, forgiving, pure, and plenty, many more good things. I feel immensely blessed to have been able to experience a love that ever-so closely resembles His love from those around me, and I can only pray and hope that I may be a similar vessel and share that same kind of love.
— Anonymous