In today’s readings we have heard about forgiveness and reconciliation (mending relationships).

The Gospel reading was one of the parables of Jesus, A story told by Jesus to teach people something about God or about how God wants us to live our lives.  As we grow we hear many of these stories and also learn about what is expected of us in every situation that we are in. Armed with this knowledge we ultimately have the free will to make choices as to how we behave and how we treat others.

Today we heard the story of a father and 2 sons.

Younger son -"I wanted to do things my own way, made some poor choices, insulted my father, wasted money, behaved poorly, and ended up far from the happy I thought I would be. Eventually I realized that I would better off back with my father, who always treated people well, and I was sorry for the choices I had made".
Older son - "I stayed at home and did what was expected of me, working hard, behaving appropriately and supporting my father. I was angry when I found out that a large party was being held for my brother. I didn’t think it was fair that my brother who had not been good was getting such a lavish celebration"
The Father - "I would rather my younger son had not gone away but I love him and never gave up hope that he would return. I met him on his journey, forgave him and welcomed him home, holding no grudge at all and rejoicing that our relationship was back on track. Then I reminded my older son that I am always here for him too and that his brother’s return needed celebration but did not alter my relationship with him".

As humans we have free will to make choices and sometimes, just like the younger son we might not always make the best choices and make a mess of things. We all need to say sorry and ask for forgiveness at times. It’s not always easy to admit that we have done something wrong and ask for forgiveness and, like the older son showed us, as humans it is also not always easy to forgive. Just
because it is difficult doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try though.

God knows how we feel on the inside and whether we are truly sorry, God promises to forgive us and is always willing to take us back if we admit that we are wrong.

Can you think of something that you have done that you need to be forgiven for, or a mistake you have made? Was it something that you did? Was it a way you behaved toward someone else? Have you held a grudge against someone who made a mistake? It’s time to say I’m sorry, I forgive you and welcome back.

Today is refreshment Sunday in Lent and a time of joy. Let us rejoice and be joyful in the knowledge that through Jesus’ death and resurrection we are freed from our sin and have a new start and relationship with God the father, who’s love and grace reach further than we can even imagine.