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.
Read MorePhilippi was a thoroughly Roman city full of veterans and hardly any Jews. The earliest Christians in Philippi were Romans facing serious persecution for turning their backs on Rome in turning to Christ.
Read MoreIt is very consoling to see Jesus himself tempted. He prepared His public life with a fast of 40 days, similar to what we are doing during this Lenten season. If Jesus himself was tempted, and Jesus is perfect God and man, then it stands to reason that to be tempted is not necessarily bad; it is not a sin.
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