The Father is waiting with open arms, full of compassion at the confessional for reconciliation. This pretty much sums up the readings for this Sunday, but further explanation is given. In the first reading the Lord tells Joshua that the reproach of the land of Egypt will be removed when they celebrate Passover. This clearly is a connection to the Eucharist, another sacrament of God's love.  However, the removal of reproach for all the sins acquired in the land of Egypt (here an image of the world) happens in the confessional. Before partaking of the Eucharist, it is necessary to be in a state of grace and if necessary, go before to confession.  The second reading says, "God has given (the church) the ministry of reconciliation." Let us take advantage of it because it is in there that the Father's love is in full display in a very real and sacramental way.  In the Gospel the image of the father is the image of the love of God once again is shown in the confessional to both those who act like the younger son and those who act as the older son.  It may seem at first that the father in the parable favors the younger son because of the way he welcomed him back even after he had squandered all his inheritance.  However it is noted at the end of the parable, the younger son is acknowledged as alive and given a big party, but the older son retains ownership of all the father still had.  Notice the younger son is not given another inheritance. So, the father also acknowledged the hard work of the older son and gave him his place.  Each one needed the compassion of the father in a different way.  It is the same with the confessional. There are those who come as the younger son repentant for what they have done in a life of sin.  And then there are those who have lived a life in the church come resentful because they have done their duty to apparently no merit.  Both need confession and both are reconciled in the love of God.   The Heavenly Father is waiting through the priest to give absolution and make a celebration for those who were dead in their sins whether like the younger or older son. There are other details in the parable that show how a person can come to repentance to the confessional.  Notice the younger son rehearsed over and over what he was going to say to the father.  His words were not natural, his repentance was not genuine to the one hundred percent.  But he got up anyway and slowly went back to the father's house to see what could happen.  It is the father that rushes not him.  The same with those who come to the confessional.  It only takes a little opening of the heart, and the Heavenly Father will rush to encounter and offer His forgiveness. Let us remember God is waiting with open arms in the room of mercy that is the confessional. And when one repentant person comes in whatever the state of life, there will be a big party in heaven for that person that was dead but now has come back to life in the Father’s love.