I quote:
The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
unquote
The parable of The Prodigal Son teaches us that Our Father waits for us, patiently to return to His loving care, and protection never chastising us, nor refusing us entry into His kingdom.
Today's readings invite each of us to forgive all who offend us, just as The Father pardons us for our offences, leaving His door open to all who freely accept His call to return to His loving embrace.
You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
end
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