Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

Today, we pause to hear the grumbling of the Pharisees—outraged that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. In response, Jesus tells a parable, not just about a wayward son who squandered everything but about a father who welcomes him home with open arms, taking on his shame and restoring him completely. But then comes the older son—resentful, bitter, convinced that grace should be earned. Yet this parable isn’t just about two sons—it’s about a Father whose love never wavers. A Father who welcomes the broken, the messy, and the undeserving. A Father who rejoices over His children, no matter where they’ve been or what they’ve done. This is the heart of God—the foundation of His Church. And today, He says to each of us: ‘You are my child. Welcome home.'