The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the
parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the
fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father's house;
the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his
fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and
still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on
all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty
before his father; the journey back; the father's generous welcome; the
father's joy - all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The
beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new
life - pure worthy, and joyful - of anyone who returns to God and to the
bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart Of Christ Who
knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his
mercy in so simple and beautiful a way.