March 30, 2025: A Journey Back to the Father

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Today, we reflect on one of the most powerful parables Jesus ever told—the story of the Prodigal Son. It is not just a story about a wayward son; it is our story. Each of us, at some point, has wandered away from God in different ways.

This parable reveals the journey of conversion, and through it, we will reflect on four key steps:

  1. Realization – recognizing our sin.
  2. Renunciation – turning away from sin.
  3. Repentance – a sincere change of heart.
  4. Restoration – returning to God’s love.

Let us open our hearts and allow God to speak to us today.

1. Realization: Recognizing Our Sin (Pehchaan’na)

The story begins with a young man demanding his inheritance from his father and leaving for a distant land. He lives recklessly, spending everything on worldly pleasures. But soon, a famine strikes, and he finds himself starving, lost, and empty.

Luke 15:17 says, “When he came to his senses…”—this is the turning point. He realizes the gravity of his mistakes.

Many times, we also live as if we do not need God. We chase after money, pleasure, or success, thinking they will satisfy us. But sooner or later, we hit a spiritual famine—emptiness, loneliness, or brokenness. Have we reached this moment of realization? Have we acknowledged our need for God?

2. Renunciation: Turning Away from Sin (Parityaag/Paap Tyaag Karna)

The Prodigal Son, after realizing his mistake, makes a decision: “I will arise and go to my father” (Luke 15:18).

Notice, he does not just sit in his misery. He renounces his old ways and chooses to leave behind the sinful life that brought him to ruin.

Many people feel sorry for their sins but do not act. They confess the same sins over and over because they do not truly renounce them. True conversion means making a firm decision to change—to walk away from sin, bad habits, toxic relationships, or anything that leads us away from God.

Are we willing to leave behind what separates us from God?

3. Repentance: A Sincere Change of Heart (Paschattap Karna)

The Prodigal Son does not return arrogantly. He comes back humbled, ready to say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).

This is true repentance—not just regret, but a deep sorrow for having hurt the Father’s heart. He is ready to accept whatever consequence comes his way.

Do we truly feel sorrow for our sins, or do we confess just to “feel better”? True repentance is not just about avoiding punishment but desiring a restored relationship with God. Like King David in Psalm 51, we must cry out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

4. Restoration: Returning to God’s Love (Punarsthapit Karna)

The most beautiful part of the story is not just the son’s return—but the father’s response. The father does not wait for his son to beg for mercy. He runs to him, embraces him, and restores him.

Instead of treating him like a servant, the father orders:

  • A robe – restoring his dignity.
  • A ring – restoring his relationship as a son.
  • A footwear – restoring his protection
  • A feast – celebrating his return.

This is the heart of God! He does not hold our past against us. He does not say, “I told you so.” He simply says, “Welcome home.”

God’s love is unconditional. No matter how far we have fallen, He waits for us with open arms. Every confession is a celebration in heaven—God is not interested in punishing us; He longs to restore us!

Have we allowed God to restore us? Or do we still live in guilt and shame?

A Call to Return

Dear brothers and sisters, today Jesus is inviting us on a journey of conversion:

  1. Realization – Open your eyes to the reality of sin in your life.
  2. Renunciation – Make a firm decision to turn away from sin.
  3. Repentance – Come before God with a humble and contrite heart.
  4. Restoration – Receive God’s mercy and return to His love.

No matter how far we have wandered, the Father is waiting. Will you take the first step back to Him?

Let us not delay. Let us arise and return to the Father. Amen.

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