God Sees You, Even From a Distance
“While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was filled with compassion.” Luke 15:20
This Parable of the Prodigal Son allows us to reflect on God’s unconditional and healing love. Time and time again, Pope Francis reminds us that the church is a “field hospital after battle.” Long before the son even makes it home, his father already sees him “while he was still a long way off” and runs to embrace him. This story highlights God’s commitment to lovingly heal us of our wounds.
There are moments in life when we feel distant from God. This feeling may be due to our own sins, struggles, or the weight of our difficult situations. In such painful times, it seems God is far away and unaware of our terrible difficulties. However, this verse reminds us of a beautiful truth: even when we feel lost and alone, God sees us and desires our healing.
God’s love is never conditionally based on our impossible standard of perfection. He does not wait for us to have everything figured out before He embraces us. Venerable Bruno Lanteri says, “Strive to do well all that you do, but do this with respect for your humanity, without striving for an impossible perfection.” God does not expect us to come to Him without issues. As He sees us in our brokenness, fears, and doubts, He runs towards us with His heart filled with compassion and desires to heal us through those wounds!
If you feel distant from God, remember that He is already gazing at you with love. Take a step toward Him, no matter how small. He is eagerly waiting to run to you, to welcome you, and to remind you that you have never been abandoned.
You are seen. You are loved. You are never alone.
-Br. Miggo
