
Day 25 – The Lavish Love of God
Cantonese
Mandarin
English
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. The younger son said to the father, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son." But his father ordered his servants, "Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet."

His father didn't allow him to finish his confession! He hurried to put on his son the finest robe, a ring and sandals that symbolized the restoration of his identity! That was before the son had the chance to tell his father to treat him as his servant. Instead of taking on the servant's role, the son was instantly restored to his original but forgone identity. His honour was reinstated and was immediately served by his father's servants, even though his appearance was so despicable!
Why didn't the father allow his son to finish his confession? Didn't he want to hear what his son had to say? Or at least to savor the moment to be consoled by his son’s sincere apology and the opportunity for his pierced heart to be healed? Apparently, the father’s focus was not on himself but on the son. This long lost but newly found son was everything in the father's eyes!
REFLECTION

I am filthy due to my sins
Ashamed beyond words
My sins have caused me to close my heart
And feel undeserving of your mercy
But your arms have always remained open
Waiting for my return one day
And you will baptize me with your love
Telling me you love me above all things
You have transformed my ugliness into beauty
my lowliness into dignity
Reinstating my identity as a child of the Father
Giving new lives to sinners, without regarding Your pain and suffering
Through Your forgiveness and consolation
I let go of all my regrets
So that I can reunite with You with a pure heart
(I shall reunite with You with a pure heart. From this day onward, I will offer my pure heart as a holy sacrifice to God the Father)
TODAY'S PRAYER

I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen!
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Oh Lord, I know I can never return Your lavish love for me. Please Help me to be more vigilant as not to be led astray from the path back Home! Open up my heart and let my every act be done according to Your will, instead of piercing through Your heart.
I feel the merciful love of God and his great forgiveness when we return to Him.