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He spent everything. He found himself in dire need and hired himself out
to a farm to tend the swine. Feeding swine was an insulting job for a Jew-
ish person, since pigs were unclean according to the Law of Moses. Com-
ing to his senses, the son went to his father and made his confession as a
sinner. His father had compassion, went running to his son kissing him, il-
lustrating acceptance of a sinner who turns to God. The father accepted
his son˅s confession but refused his request to make him a servant. He
gave him a robe and a ring signifying his acceptance back into the family
ˎ a reason to celebrate. The older brother˅s unhappiness over this cele-
bration and preparation of a fatted calf stated: ˈI never transgressed . . .
you never gave me such things.ˉ The father responded to his disgruntled
older son by explaining that just because someone receives a blessing that
does not mean there is no blessing for others. He also stated that the
older son always had the opportunity to celebrate with a fattened calf since
the animals were his. Let us celebrate and rejoice in the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe in you and that your
word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that
he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and
eternal life. I know that without you in my heart my life is meaningless.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
_______
Lela Bissner
Parishioner, Eucharistic Minister