From the Gospel · Luke 15:11 to 32
The father who ran.
You can begin the journey home before you know how to say everything.
Read the film transcript
The son is still far away when his father sees him.
In the parable Jesus tells, he has taken his inheritance, left home, and wasted it. Hunger has brought him to a decision. He will return and admit his sin.
But the welcome begins before he reaches the house. His father runs to him and embraces him. The son confesses. His father calls for a robe, a ring, and a feast.
Later, the elder brother refuses to come inside. The father goes out to him too.
There is room here to begin honestly. You do not need to explain your whole life before asking for help. Contact a parish. Ask a priest to help you come back. Let repentance lead toward repair, with respect for those you have hurt.
Father, I have wandered and I need your mercy. Give me an honest heart and the courage to return. Lead me back to prayer, to your Church, and to the people I have hurt. Amen.
01Stay with the story
Jesus tells of a son who takes his inheritance, leaves home, and wastes it. Hungry and destitute, he decides to return and admit his sin.
His father sees him from a distance, runs to embrace him, and welcomes him as a son. When the elder brother refuses to join the feast, the father comes out to him too.
The son gets up and returns. The father receives him. Consider one step you can actually take today, even if your words are still unfinished.
Read the Gospel · RSV-CE02Make this your prayer
Father, I have wandered and I need your mercy. Give me an honest heart and the courage to return. Lead me back to prayer, to your Church, and to the people I have hurt. Amen.
03One step into your day
Contact a Catholic parish and ask to speak with a priest about returning. You can begin by saying: I have been away, and I would like help coming back.
A story and prayer you can offer to one person.
Send this to someone
I thought you might welcome this: the story of the father who ran, with a prayer and one small step home.
Scripture and sources
The reflections and prayers are written for this encounter. They are not quotations from Scripture.
Luke 15:11 to 32 · RSV-CECatechism 1439