Nobody can explain the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the mercy of God, the generosity of God, and the blessing of God this clearly, than Jesus in this most beautiful parable of the returning son. The moment the younger son realized and believed in the abundant loving mercy of his father, he returned home. Whether the son had expressed his sorrow sufficiently or not, the father, without delay for a moment, rushed his servants to cloth his son with the best garment, recovered his status by offering his ring, and reinstated his position back to normal: “‘Father,’ the son said, ‘I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.’ But the father called to his servants. ‘Hurry!’ he said. ‘Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.  Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast!  For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’ And so the feasting began” (Lk 15:21-24). May this passionate love of God surround us so that we may stay embraced by His forgiving mercy. 

Abba, thank You for immediately giving us the robe that is due to Your children. Let Your Spirit make us rejoice wearing the ring and the shoes of protection, in Jesus’ Most Loving Name, Amen.