Journey to the Cross

Pause

“I don't think anyone, until their soul leaves their body, is past the point of no return.”

Tom Hiddleston, actor

Listen

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.”

Luke 15:20b-24

Think

I remember running away one afternoon because I was angry with my little sister. I left my parents a horrible note and walked about two miles to a friend’s house. I spent the night camping with her in the pasture out back. By lunchtime we had run out of junk food and I was hungry. I walked home, preparing my apology, and certain that I would be in a great deal of trouble upon my arrival.

My mother greeted me on the front porch with a hug. My father came out and said that I should call a friend right away if I wanted to babysit that evening. My mother asked if I would like a grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup. I was a little surprised that I didn’t seem to be in big trouble. But the welcome I received from my parents upon my return was one of unconditional love.

God offers us unconditional love. Sometimes we need to walk through our own repentance in order to receive it.

Bronwyn Clark Skov

Pray

Forgiving God, please help me to forgive others and forgive myself so that I might receive the full blessing of your love, especially when I am feeling frustrated, angry, or alone. May God bless me and help me return when I stray away, through Christ, God’s own Son. Amen.

Go

Return to me, says the Lord of heavenly forces, and I will return to you . . .

Zechariah 1:3