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Day 4 – Come back to me

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Song Meditation

Hosea is a song that we suggest as a meditative piece to reflect upon the theme of homecoming.
Song lyrics can be found here while more information about the song can be found here.

Perhaps we have noticed the common theme of REPENTANCE among the three parables that Jesus told in the Gospel of Luke chapter 15.

After telling the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus said,

"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

(Luke 15:7)

And after telling the parable of the lost coin, Jesus also said:

"In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

(Luke 15:10)

Based on what Jesus said, we can be assured that God never despises us as sinners. He knows that we are weak. His love for us never changes even as we sin against Him. What matters to Him is whether we REPENT or not.

Repentance is a vitally important gateway to our Father’s House.

Without this awareness, we would continue to, unknowingly, stay or drift away from our true home and wander aimlessly in the wilderness.

We cannot help but notice that one of the central themes of Jesus' teaching in the Gospels is repentance. After Jesus' baptism and being tempted for 40-days in the wilderness, He began His public ministry by proclaiming,

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

(Mark 1:15)

Jesus invites all of us to repent, to have a conversion of our heart and mind. Jesus spent 40 days praying, fasting and being tempted by Satan, to prepare Himself for the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. As such, it is also important for us to prepare ourselves to properly carry out our own mission from God!

As we continue this Lenten journey, it is fitting for us to focus on our repentance. Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation allows us to get on the right track. It is important to get a head start in this process. A good beginning is half the battle won!

Jesus said,

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance."

(Luke 5:32)

While we should be ashamed of our sins, we need not be ashamed of ourselves as we turn to God for forgiveness. He knows we are sinners and He knows our sins. He cannot wait to heal our wounds and bring us back to His embrace!

REFLECTION

What is holding you back from turning to God to receive forgiveness and healing? If fears are holding you back, would you ask our merciful Heavenly Father for courage?

Do you believe that you are as precious as all the saints and holy people in God's eyes?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Merciful Father, I know that Jesus is appealing for my repentance. But oftentimes I lack the courage and I am afraid to face You, and even myself. Please fill me with Your love so that my fears will be taken away. I desire to come back to you, my dear God! Do not let me drift away from You again! I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Sincerely invite you to share the reflections that inspires you by this day's retreat.

16 Comments

KAMBOO TAM on February 19, 2021 at 6:41 pm

Amen
- Linda Chan on February 19, 2021 at 7:28 pm
  
  It’s my lack of faith in God that I do consider myself not worthy for His forgiveness when I have repeatedly committed the same kind of misdeeds. I pray to our Father to give me strength for my inner conversion to truly repent and trust in His compassionate love for each and everyone of us.
grace on February 20, 2021 at 1:11 am

Dear God, I am deeply sorry for offending you often, kindly give me strength and courage to resist every evil. Amen.
Doris Tan on February 20, 2021 at 8:02 am

Lord Jesus i am not worthy of your love. I keep falling into my sins. I felt guilty each time i gossip, judge, unable to love and understand the people around me.
Help me Lord in all my ways. Give me the grace to understand in my ministry even though i see things was not done correctly.
Bernadette Cheng on February 20, 2021 at 9:08 pm

Nothing is holding me back from turning to God to receive forgiveness and healing as I know God is merciful. His mercy is like an ocean. I believe that I am as precious as all the Saints and holy people in God’s eyes.