Gospel of the Day

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

At that time, all the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to listen to Jesus. But the Pharisees and the scribes were murmuring, saying:
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So Jesus told them this parable:
“There was a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that belongs to me.’ So the father divided his property between them.
Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and set off for a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in reckless living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that land, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill himself with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
Then he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough to eat, and here I am starving to death! I will arise and go to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired servants.”’
So he arose and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him tenderly.
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
Meanwhile, the elder son was in the field. As he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what was going on.
The servant said, ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’
The elder brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
The father said, ‘My son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. But it was right to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

In a Spectacular Way

The Lord comes to reveal the heart of the Father, and this Gospel is especially fitting for that purpose, as we contemplate the Father’s response to both of His sons.
Let me learn to look upon the lost sheep with the same Love with which He looks upon all His children.

Applying It to Married Life

Teresa: I suggested to my husband that we go on a retreat, and he said no—that he’s fed up with retreats and Church stuff, and just wants to stay home. In prayer, the Lord gave me a glimpse of His mercy, and I went out to meet my husband with a desire to delight him, to welcome him in his weakness. He felt truly loved. I don’t know if he’ll come to the retreat or not, but this moment brought us closer. Glory to God!
Luis: This afternoon, my wife wouldn’t stop correcting and reproaching me—even insulted me. But with God’s grace, I sat down with her and tried to understand where her pain was coming from. She told me she didn’t feel important to me. So I began to treat her like a queen, until she truly felt loved. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but today, this situation has drawn us together. Glory to God!

Mother,

Today, I only want to praise God for the many times I have failed Him—spectacularly, shamefully—and yet He has come out to meet me, has loved me, forgiven me, and healed me.
Glory to You forever, Lord. Praised be You, my God!