The Merciful Father ☦⛪ Fr Stephen's Sermon at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Brisbane

As we enter the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, the Church prepares us for Great Lent through chosen Gospel readings that guide our mindset and hearts. This parable, widely known even outside the Church, tells of a son who squanders his inheritance and falls into despair, only to realize his mistake and return to his father.

The focus today is not on the son, but on his father. Despite the deep insult of the son's request, the father does not rebuke him but lets him go, knowing the consequences. When the son returns, he is met not with criticism but with love, forgiveness, and restoration. This mirrors how God treats us—He is not a vengeful judge waiting for us to fail, but a loving Father who welcomes our return with open arms.

Like the Prodigal Son, we fall into sin repeatedly, yet each time we come in repentance, we are never turned away. This is the essence of God’s love and mercy. Our fasting and prayer in Lent should not be seen as rigid obligations but as acts of love and devotion, drawing us closer to Him.

May we enter this Lenten season with sincere repentance, striving to please God, and may we experience His endless love in return. Amen.

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Preacher: Priest Stephen David
Location: The QRCC Hall, Woolloongabba (hosting the congregation of Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Brisbane)
Date: 16 Feb 2025
Occasion: The Divine Liturgy
Reading: Luke 15:11-32

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Holy Annunciation has services each week on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on major feastdays of the Christian liturgical calendar. Check out our Parish Schedule for more details, at: HolyAnnunciation.net

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