Ascension : Church News
Submitted by The Islander (Clive & Jenny Duncan) 18.03.2010 (Article Archived on 01.04.2010)

Parents find it hard to part company with their children when they decide to leave home and go to another country to work and likewise the children with their parents.

LUKE’S GOSPEL 15: 1-3, 11-32.  The parable of the Prodigal Son.

Parents find it hard to part company with their children when they decide to leave home and  go to another country to work and likewise the children with their parents.  It is not an easy decision to make but one that a number of us have to face from time to time. 

The prodigal son left his father’s home because he wanted his fling.  He wanted to get out on his own and do his own thing.  All went well for him at first living a comfortable life but that soon came to an end when his resources were depleted.

He decided to return to father’s house and beg his forgiveness for all the wrong he had done. To tell him “I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I no longer deserve to be called your son.”

He was still a long way off when his father saw him. He ran to his son, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly.      

His father was overjoyed to see him again. He told his servants to bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet, bring the calf we have been fattening and kill it we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life, he was lost and is found, and they began to celebrate. 

This parable that Jesus told of the prodigal son shows that God always delights in showing mercy to repentant sinners. 

Have a pleasant and enjoyable week.

Canon Clive.