Reflection

Upon returning to his senses and going home, the prodigal son asks to be treated as one of his father’s hired hands, effectively saying that he is no longer worthy to be called a “son.” The Father tells him that this is nonsense. He wants his son restored to “sonship,” with all the concomitant freedom, responsibility and dignity that comes with that office.

Do we not, even in returning to God, still seek to shirk the responsibility and weight of truly being “sons” or (daughters)? We want to be close, but not too close. We want goodness, but not transformation. The Father will have none of it. Returning home means reclaiming our place as sons - nothing less.

Be aware of that strong temptation to settle for too little. It masks itself in a false humility. True humility does not say “I am low,” but rather “Your Will be done.”