Josh 5.9a, 10-12; 2 Cor 5.17-21; Lk 15.1-3, 11-32

• In today’s Gospel parable of the prodigal son, Our Lord teaches us about the mercy of God. The prodigal son is ourselves. We are all sinners who have somehow offended God, who is our father, because of the allurements of this world. Our father, God, is ready to forgive us, but He respects our freedom and expects us to go back, humble, and contrite.

• The fact that our Saviour instituted the Sacrament of Confession is a sign of God’s mercy. Because of confession, we have a tangible and effective sign that God has forgiven us. Without it, as when people confess only “directly to God,” we can never really know if we are forgiven; we can never really know if we are truly sorry.

• It’s not just those who have abortions who sin against life. We do too every time we use pornography or treat another person as a means to an end. The prodigal son was ready to acknowledge his fault. You and I should be willing to do the same.

Pro-Life Intercession

For all those who have had or participated in abortion, that they may trust in the Father of mercies, who always welcomes His repentant children, we pray to the Lord…