Psalm 32:1–5, 10–11; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; Luke 15:11–24
The parable of the prodigal son is usually read as a story about the boundless love of God, and it certainly is that. But the story is also a profound reflection on the meaning of repentance, a “coming to oneself” (Luke 15:17) and moving back toward the One who is our life. This turning from one's "false self" and back toward God is the first step in trusting and living in the love of God. And that's why, according to Jesus, there is “more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who (think!) they need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
