July 27, 2026
— Liang Fa · Source: Good Words to Admonish the Age (Quanshi liangyan, 1832), vol. 7
Luke 15:17-20 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough to eat, and here I am starving to death? I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired hands.’ So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a distance away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him.
We often mistake gambling, smoking, fighting, and vanity for life's pleasures, unaware that these are gradually eroding our souls. Even the prodigal son once believed freedom lay in the distance, only "waking up" to his impoverished state. Liang Fa wrote that God desires people to "awaken, earnestly forsake their wickedness, and turn their hearts to trust in the merit of the Saviour," and so forgives their sins. Are you willing today to leave that seemingly joyful but ultimately destructive path and return home? Your father has always been waiting at the door.
Loving Heavenly Father, I confess that I too have indulged in vanity and old habits, mistaking them for happiness, when in fact I was drifting away from You. I ask that You enlighten me, that I might awaken like the prodigal son and return to You. Thank You for not rejecting me, but for showing compassion and coming to welcome me when I was still far away. I ask that You accept me home with Your boundless grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.