He was lost, and is found

We continue to reflect on this week’s Gospel parable ‘The Prodigal Son’ as narrated in Luke 15: 1-32. Today we explore the role of the father. Hearing that the elder son refused to enter the celebration, he goes out to him and entreats him with these words ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’

Henri Nouwen, deceased best selling writer, and pastor of the L’Arche Daybreak community, reflecting on the father (in Rembrant’s painting of the scene) - interpreted him as the symbol of the final stage of spiritual growth - that our final vocation is to become like the father and to live out his compassion in our daily lives.

He reflects that each of us is a son or daughter and each of us has to consciously choose to step beyond our childhood and become father and mother for others. ‘It is a hard and lonely step to take - especially in a period of history in which parenthood is so hard to live well - but it is a step that is essential for the fulfillment of the spiritual journey.’

His reflection has triggered me to examine my role as father, grandfather and deacon in this elder stage of my life. Am I compassionate as the father is compassionate? Do I extend mercy without condition? Do I go out to meet those who struggle with resentment or pain, inviting them into reconciliation?

The father in the parable embodies a love that transcends justice—it is a love that welcomes, restores, and celebrates. As I reflect on my own journey, I recognize the call to move beyond my own wounds and disappointments, to stand with open arms, and to embrace both the returning prodigal and the hesitant elder son.

To live as the father means to embody God's boundless love, offering not just forgiveness but a home where others can rediscover their dignity and belonging. It is a call to radical hospitality, to patience, and to unwavering generosity of spirit.

As I navigate the responsibilities of fatherhood, grandfatherhood, and my vocation as a deacon, I pray for the grace to love as the father loves—to rejoice when the lost are found and to invite those who stand outside into the joy of the feast.

What about you, my friend? Do you see yourself in this parable? Have you ever felt like the prodigal, longing for mercy and a fresh start? Or perhaps like the elder son, struggling with resentment and the fairness of grace? Maybe, like me, you are being called to step into the role of the father—to offer love freely, to seek reconciliation, and to create a space where others feel truly welcomed and cherished.

The journey to becoming like the father is not easy. It requires a heart softened by grace, a spirit willing to forgive, and a love that does not keep score. But it is in this calling that we find the deepest fulfillment—reflecting the heart of God in our families, our communities, and our daily encounters.

So, my friend, where do you find yourself in this story today? And how is God inviting you to love more fully?

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Pilgrimage for Peace

Friend, I invite you to journey with us online as we prepare to embark on our Pilgrimage for Peace. As part of our Jubilee Year observances we plan on visiting sacred sites in Europe arriving at the Vatican. Along the way, we hope to send newsletter posts, podcasts and videos of our experiences.

To fund the trip we plan on soliciting donations, sponsorships and advertisements for the various publications. We are therefore in the process of editing our Website to accommodate this enterprise. Please visit the website at the following link, bearing in mind it is a Work in Progress. Hopefully it should be completed by the end of this coming weekend. LINK TO WEBSITE