Story: The Child Who Thought He Was Unloved
Ethan was seventeen, and like many teenagers, he believed he had everything figured out. His parents, however, seemed to stand in his way. They had rules—curfews, limits on screen time, expectations about schoolwork – and Ethan thought they were unfair. He often overheard his friends talking about how easy going their parents were, and he felt jealous. “I’m the only one who’s trapped,” he would grumble. His frustration grew, especially when his parents refused to let him go on certain trips or stay out late with friends they didn’t trust. In Ethan’s mind, they were controlling and out of touch. They don’t get me, he thought. They don’t care what I want. One night, after a heated argument, Ethan packed a small bag and left home. He was sure he could manage on his own.
At first, life outside his parents’ house felt thrilling. He stayed with a friend for a few days, coming and going as he pleased. No one told him what to do. But soon, reality hit hard. His money ran out. His friend’s family grew uncomfortable with him staying there. He ended up sleeping on couches and eventually in a shelter. He was hungry, cold, and scared. Worse, he began to realise the people he thought were his friends weren’t really there for him. Maybe mum and dad weren’t trying to ruin my life, he thought. Maybe they really were looking out for me.
But shame kept him stuck. He was too embarrassed to call them. What if they don’t want me back? Still, late one night, after weeks away, he picked up his phone and texted his mum. “I’m sorry mum. Can I come home?” Almost immediately, his phone rang. His mum’s voice was shaky but filled with relief. “Ethan! Where are you? We’re coming to get you.” Within an hour, his parents arrived. His father got out of the car and wrapped him in a tight hug. His mother wept as she held his face in her hands. They didn’t ask questions. They didn’t lecture him. They simply said, “We’re just glad you’re home.”
Inside the house, things had changed—but not in the way Ethan expected. His room was just as he left it, but now he noticed all the little things his parents had done for him – photos on the wall, clean clothes folded neatly, his favourite meals waiting. He realised they hadn’t been trying to control him. They had been protecting him because they loved him. Over time, they talked about what had happened. There were tears and apologies, but there was also healing. And Ethan slowly understood something deeper: Home was where he was loved, even when he didn’t deserve it. Even when he had misunderstood their love. Even when he had walked away.
Reflection: God’s Mercy Is Always Waiting for Us
This story echoes Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Like Ethan, many of us have moments when we believe God’s laws and guidance are restrictive or unfair. We want to live on our own terms, convinced we know best. But God’s commandments are not there to control us; they’re there to protect us, to lead us to life. When we wander far, God doesn’t abandon us. Like Ethan’s parents, God runs to meet us the moment we turn back.
- His love is not resentful.
- His mercy is not delayed.
- His joy is in welcoming us home.
And when we come home, we discover that what we thought was harshness was really deep, protective love.
The Devil’s Strategies: Lies That Distance Us from God. The enemy often twists the truth:
- “God’s rules are unfair.”
- “He’s holding you back from freedom.”
- “If you walk away, you’ll be happier.”
But these lies lead us far from home – into loneliness, emptiness, and spiritual hunger. The devil also tries to convince us it’s too late to return, filling us with shame and fear. But God’s mercy is stronger than any failure. He waits, watching for our return.
Call to Action
This Lent is the perfect time to “come home”:
- If you’ve been distant from God, come back in prayer.
- If you’ve been away from the Sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, return.
- If you’ve doubted God’s love, ask Him to show you the tenderness of His heart.
There is a place for you in God’s house. You are always welcome.
Prayer
Loving Father,
Sometimes I think I know better.
Sometimes I run from Your love,
believing I can make my own way.
But I find myself lost and empty.
Thank You for always waiting for me,
for running to meet me when I return.
Help me trust Your love and live in the freedom of being Your child. Amen