In the form of a parable, Jesus describes the final judgment of the nations. The Lord appears surrounded by angels and is seated on his royal throne. Before him are all the nations of the world, which he separates as a shepherd separates the sheep and the goats. The king invites those whom he divided on his right to inherit his heavenly kingdom and to those on his left to enter eternal punishment.
Today’s gospel, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlights God’s welcoming love for those who repent.
Today marks the first day the Church asks us to begin our preparation for Great Lent. She prepares us through the four Gospels read at the Divine Liturgy each Sunday preceding the first day of Great Lent.
Matthew 4:12-17 At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in…
I Timothy 1:15-17 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am…
The Gospel According to Luke 8:26-39 At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the…