God welcomes us with love whenever we return to Him – Fr. Mandela Anyigba

In his Saturday, March 2 reflection on the day’s Gospel reading, Rev. Fr. Mark Mandela Anyigbah encouraged faithful to turn to God at all times as He always awaits our return.

In the Gospel reading taken from Luke 15:21-24, we are treated to a very familiar story, how the youngest son of a rich man, mostly identified as a prodigal one, returns to his father after leaving home to squander his inheritance. His father welcomes him back home with open arms, and a feast is even held in his honor, regardless of his wrongdoing.

“Just imagine how heartwarming it was for the younger son when the father runs to him, embraced him, kissed him, gave him the best of robes and threw a party for him”, Fr. Mandela said, stressing the fact that this son is one who just wanted to be treated as one of his father’s servants, but was instead treated like a king.

The Priest noted that this was grace and mercy at work, adding that this type of father is the one the faithful have as their God, and He welcomes them with love whenever they return to Him.

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In conclusion, Fr. Mandela said, “Indeed, there is joy over one sinner who returns than many who have no need of repentance. Just because you resolve to return to God, the entire heavenly court is happy for you and that will surely be a great blessing for you. What is stopping you from returning from your ‘long travel’ of sin? God awaits your return eagerly.”