Daily Gospel Reflection for March 2, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Let’s take a closer look at the father in this parable of the prodigal son.

We see that he respects his son’s freedom: he complies with the younger son’s request for his share of the property. This father doesn’t strong-arm his youngest son to stay. He respects his son enough to allow him to go off on his own.

But I wonder if that was a hard thing for the father to do. Did it break his heart a little to say goodbye to his youngest? I think it did. We read that the father caught sight of his son, coming home, from a long way off. We can almost picture the longing father staring out the window, wishing to see his son’s precious face once again.

The father’s enthusiasm in running, embracing, and kissing his returned son reveal his deep love and joy at the reunion. The father isn’t concerned about the lost money—just his lost son. He wants to be with his dear son, whom he missed so much!

And what about the oldest son? The father deeply loves him, too. We see this because, when the older son refuses to join the party, the father seeks him out . . . the father comes out to find him . . . in fact, the father “pleaded with him” to come inside to the celebration. So often I think of the father seeking the prodigal son, but he sought out his oldest son as well. It just wasn’t a true celebration without both of his sons there.

This is a parent who is approachable, merciful, understanding, and . . . fun! It sounds like he knew how to throw a good party: there’s music, tasty food, and dancing!

As parents, this father—a figure of God the Father—can model effective, loving parenting for us.

Ponder:

How would my children describe me as a parent? If my child is lost through sinful choices, does he or she know that I am always there to welcome him or her back home?

Pray:

God the Father, You are the very best of all Fathers! Help me to be a good parent to the children You have entrusted to me.

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So often I think of the father seeking the prodigal son, but he sought out his oldest son as well. It just wasn’t a true celebration without both of his sons there. #DailyGospel

Daily Gospel 2