1. The Forgiving Face of Mercy 1 Week 1

2. 2 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Father AllWhose generosity is seen in the abundance of Creation - in his deep, abiding love for humanity.

3. 3 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Son AllWho emptied himself in the service of the Father - and of the people he was called to serve; who gave his life and love unconditionally so that others might have life – life in all its fullness.

4. 4 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Holy Spirit AllWhose presence is sensed in the generosity of his giftings— pouring out onto humanity the richness of the life of God.

5. 5 ReaderWe gather… All(making the Sign of the Cross) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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7. 7  What motivates the characters in the parable?  Who do I identify with most?  When have I experienced someone being far more generous than seems reasonable?

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9. 9  What do we make of the different characters Jesus puts before us in this Gospel?  Who can we think of in public life who shows extreme generosity—in terms of money or time and energy given to others?  Where do we pick up a sense of meanness? Financial or in attitudes towards others?

10.  How does this short passage reflect the attitude and behaviour of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son?  Can we think of examples of such “visceral” love in our family—friends—or wider world?  How well does this description of God fit in with our own images of God? 10

11.  How aware am I of the people without homes of their own in my neighbourhood?  How well do I bear the wrongs that are an inevitable part of life? 11

12. 12 Lord Jesus Christ, you use the lives of families to teach us about the life of the eternal family and the generous mercy of the Father for all his children. Help us to reflect this in our dealings with others so that the world might come to know the powerful and fathomless love of God, We ask this in your name. Amen.

13. 13 © 2016 Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Image: Contributor Jozef Sedmak © 123rf.com Department for Spirituality Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, St Vincent’s Offices, St Cuthbert’s House, West Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 7PY Telephone: 0191 243 3302 Email: spirituality@diocesehn.org.uk