Have you ever lost someone or something deeply important to you? If so, you know the pain that comes with it. The parable of the prodigal son tells the story of a father who loses his son, revealing God’s immense love for us and teaching valuable lessons about forgiveness, love, and navigating life when it feels unfair.
Life doesn’t always take us where we want to go. We all have desires, but sometimes we must sacrifice them for a greater good. Problems arise when we place our wants above God’s will. Through the Bible and sacred tradition, God guides us on how to live rightly. Although we have the freedom to choose our own path, we’re called to stay within the boundaries of what is good and true. Too often, young adults rebel against their parents, pursuing their own way—even at the cost of family unity. This division plays into Satan’s goal of breaking families apart, damaging what matters most to God and risking the loss of many souls.
At some point, we all find ourselves lost. When that happens, we must pause, reflect, and regain our sense of direction. In the parable, the prodigal son realizes his mistakes and returns to his father. We too must seek the sacrament of Reconciliation, confess our sins, and return to our Heavenly Father. No matter what we’ve done, God welcomes a truly contrite heart with open arms.
Though we aren’t perfect children, we hopefully strive to love our Father in Heaven and bring Him joy. God’s truth never changes, regardless of shifting cultural norms. He never pushes us away—we are the ones who walk away from Him. Don’t delay your return when you feel distant from His voice. Make the course correction now. When our Father sees us coming back to Him, He will embrace us with love, and there will be a great feast in Heaven.
