Scripture Reading
Luke 15:20
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Reflection
On Father's Day, this image endures: the father running. Not waiting with folded arms, not requiring a rehearsed apology first — running. Every earthly father who has loved his children imperfectly is pointing, however faintly, at this. And every child who has longed for a father like this one can know: this is precisely who God is.
Prayer for Today
Oh Lord, you know every tear that has fallen onto our cheeks. You know how painful and devastated we are at the loss of this precious child. Please help the parents to use their tears as healing and not to hold back or try to be strong on their own when it's too much to handle. Thank you that you care about every single tear drop that falls from our eyes, it is not lost on you. Help us to mourn alongside these parents, and help us to continue to trust you moving forward.
Amen.