Daily Readings - Sat Mar 14 2020
Micah
14Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pasturelands. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in days long ago.15"As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders."18Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.19You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.20You will be true to Jacob, and show mercy to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago.
Luke
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him.2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."3Then Jesus told them this parable:11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. '22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'31"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he 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.