Even though we were all created in great love in God’s own Image and Likeness, we have all sinned and gone far away from God our Father. However, rather than leaving us to the sad grip of vice and sin, the loving Father sent His only Son into the world to invite us back to His Kingdom.

Jesus teaches us that God our Father and is a God Who is ready to forget, forgive, cleanse, heal, restore and love rather than a God Who waits to condemn and punish. We experience the great love of God the moment we repent of all our wicked deeds, especially that of having closed our heart to the Love of God.

Repentance leads us back to the Father's House where He is waiting for us. We read in the Gospel of Saint Luke that the Father saw his son while he was still a long way off. Moved with pity, he ran to the boy, embraced him in his arms, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

Emptiness, depression, sickness, want, hunger and pain can all be a help for us to repent and come back to God. The greater our repentance and feeling of unworthiness, the more we experience the love of God. The prodigal son thought to himself, “I will leave this place and go to my Father and say, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired men.” (Luke 15:18-19)

Unfortunately, people often put off repentance and reconciliation with God. Many are content to live far away from God. But, as obedient children, we must hear the voice of the Son calling us back, “Behold, the time is fulfilled; the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

Rather than perish outside the Father's House in a wretched state of soul, body and mind, let us without delay come back to the Father's embrace and dwell within His House, as heirs to His Kingdom and experience the peace, happiness and joy of being in His company.

Whenever we are burdened by sin, let us approach the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ His Son in the Sacrament of Confession:
Let us, then, have no fear in approching the Throne of Grace to receive mercy and to find grace when we are in need of help. (Hebrews 4:16)