OPEN ARMS

The amazing and wonderful truth is that all the time, the father has been watching the road, waiting sadly, hoping that we would come back to him, that we would see our foolishness and turn to him.

He runs to meet us, and as we begin to say, “Father, we have sinned against heaven and before you,” he puts his arms around us. He has forgiven us. He has made us his sons again.

There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine who have no need of repentance.”

CAN I BELIEVE IT

That is the story that Christ tells. This is the story that explains His whole purpose in coming into our midst.

It is a strange story. It is a story that I cannot easily believe. I cannot easily believe that I am the younger son. I cannot easily believe that the father who forgives is my father.

I shall have to read more. I shall have to see more of this Christ – to see whether it is possible to believe in him. I shall have to see what He does and I shall hear what He says. I shall try to see whether He has any message for me.

These pages will attempt that rather frightening task—frightening because a writer can only tremble when he sets out on such a terribly important task, and one with such tremendous consequences in the life of every reader.

As you work your way through these times on whether what you read has any meaning for you or whether it is really your story that is being told.

At this point, you could ask simply, and honestly in your own heart: Have I really turned my back on God, My Father? Do I ever feel the sorrow or the loneliness of the younger son?

  You may like to say a quiet and slow prayer in your heart.

A PRAYER

Lord, teach me to see myself-

as I really am; not as I imagine myself to be.

Is the young son’s story my story also?

Show me the evil of my bad deeds.

Show me how I have done wrong against others.

Show me my selfishness, my jealousy, my hatred.

 If I see myself as I really am,

Then, I may be able to rise up and to go to you.

My God, my Father, I am sorry,

Call me back to you.

Question Paper 1 : Booklets 1 & 2