The parable of the Prodigal Son is sometimes referred to as the parable of the forgiving father. Following the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke, this particular parable summarizes the great gift of God’s merciful love. The father is not detached from his lost son, but rather is a father searching for that lost child every day. He is constant in that searching and sees the son while he is still a far way off. In mercy, he searches for his son.

The son, coming to his senses, decides to return home and confess to his father and reduce himself to being treated as a slave or a hired hand. Yet, before he even gets the confession out of his mouth, the merciful father is proclaiming his return with joyous festivity. He wants a robe, sandals and a ring for his son. He wants to kill the fatted calf and celebrate for his son has returned. It is not the confession that is the most important part of this experience. It is the reconciliation that is most essential. Now that healing has occurred, let the celebration begin. The family is complete again.

For the musical, “Bombay Dreams”, lyricist Don Black wrote, “The journey home is never too long when open arms are waiting there.” The Father is waiting there for us with open arms. Has our Lenten journey led us to his embrace of love and mercy? Have we come to our senses and lifted ourselves up to make the journey home? Don Black goes on to write that “the journey home can heal the deepest pain.

On our journey through life, we have met many others making that same journey. Some of our companions are still with us while others may have gone. Some we have just lost touch with, but we hold them in our hearts each day. So, this week, take time to contact a friend or family member or fellow journeyer you may not have seen or spoken to for some time. Give them a call. Go out to lunch or dinner. Catch up with each other, tell of your journeys, renew your friendship. The journey home is fulfilling and filled with grace. God’s open arms are waiting to embrace us in the new life of Easter. Do we dare take the first step? God has. He is searching, He is waiting to hold us in the arms of his mercy.