THE GOSPEL
Luke 15:1-32The Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Jesus,
when you
ate with sinners
tongues wagged, and
you told about the prodigal son.
Is that what you are––prodigal son,
wasting your life on us,
hungry sinners?
Or
are
you the
prodigal father
lavishing kindness
on our laggardly selves,
even if we are a long way off;
running to meet us with hugs, kisses,
and fixing of the finest calf, for a feast for us?
Prodigal Son, Prodigal Father and Prodigal Holy Spirit,
we feel awe and wonder at the love that you squander on us.
Thank you.
THE FIRST READING
Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
But Moses implored the Lord, his God, saying,
“Why, O Lord, should your wrath blaze up against
your own people?”
Wrath?
Blazing up?
They did not get wrath,
even though they adored
the molten calf.
O God,
we worship many alluring things,
and we are surely
stiff-necked.
Thank you for your golden covenant,
loving us in spite of ourselves,
with an everlasting
love.
THE SECOND READING
1 Timothy 1:12-17
In me Christ Jesus might display all his patience
as an example for those who would come to believe in him.
Lord,
like Paul, we
give you many chances
to show forth merciful
patience.
Toughen us with abundant graces,
as you toughened St. Paul.
Help us always
to listen to
you.
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from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C). This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org