Daily Readings - Sat Mar 14 2020
Micah
14Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.15According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things.18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.20Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
Luke
1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,11And he said, A certain man had two sons:12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the steadfastness of God’s love. The first reading from Micah paints a vivid picture of a shepherd tending to his flock, symbolizing God’s care for His people. Micah emphasizes God’s faithfulness and mercy, highlighting how He forgives sins and remains true to His promises, even when His people wander. This passage reminds us of God’s enduring love, which is not conditioned on our worthiness but is rooted in His nature.
The Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son further illustrates this divine mercy. The father’s joyous welcome of his wayward son, despite his reckless behavior, reflects God’s boundless forgiveness. The older son’s resentment, however, serves as a caution against allowing jealousy or self-righteousness to harden our hearts. This parable, set against the backdrop of the Pharisees’ criticism, underscores Jesus’ message that God’s love is not limited to the righteous but extends to all, especially those who recognize their need for mercy.
These readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God’s mercy. Like the Prodigal Son, we are called to acknowledge our shortcomings and return to the Father, trusting in His forgiveness. Similarly, we are challenged to extend this same mercy to others, letting go of resentment and embracing compassion. In our daily lives, may we receive God’s forgiveness with humility and share it generously with others, remembering that His love is not based on our worthiness but on His unfailing grace. Let us strive to embody this mercy, fostering a community where everyone can experience the joy of being found and loved by God.