Just as the Prodigal begins his well-rehearsed speech, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called one of your sons," before he is able to finish his speech, the father calls the servants over and tells them: "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him (an item reserved for the most honored guests), and put a ring on his hand (a symbol of authority, perhaps a family heirloom), and shoes on his feet (slaves were barefoot, sons wore shoes). Bring the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
This teaches us the value and honor of forgiving someone immediately and not chastising or punishing those who have come to repent of their deeds.
Fr. John
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