“A man had two sons…” – so begins today’s Gospel parable. Take some time this week to consider where you are in the story. Are you the younger son or daughter, who just wants to get away from home, but soon realizes that home is where you are loved unconditionally? Are you the disgruntled older sibling – faithful, but bitter? Are you the parent, who looked out every day, hoping for the return of your beloved child? This parable reminds us of the importance of forgiveness of self and of others, and more importantly to be open to God’s mercy and forgiveness.