Reflect
In Marilynne Robinson’s beautiful novel Home, she tells the story of a prodigal son (Jack) who comes home after 20 years of squandering his gifts to drinking and restlessness. One of the great gifts of this novel is to bring to life what happens after the return, after the father’s joyous welcome—when old habits and old hurts begin to resurface. She reminds us that love is not easy, and grace is not always pretty. And that mercy has the power to heal…even the merciful.
Pray
Heavenly Father,
how often have I strayed,
fallen into sin, drifted away from You
and from Your love?
Open my eyes, Oh Lord,
take my hand, and lead me home.
Act
Read the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Which son do you relate to more? The older one who stayed home like a “good” son, or the prodigal one? Have you ever received unmerited mercy? Have you ever felt envious when someone else did?
