Prodigal Son
from St Mark Sermons Hosted by St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church
The sermon reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son as a meditation on "home" — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Fr Thomas traces the younger son's journey away from his father, his descent into destitution, and his return in repentance, met by the father's unconditional, joyful embrace before he can even finish his rehearsed apology, contrasted with the elder son, who, though physically present, is also estranged from his father through pride. Fr Thomas extends the theme of home to personal life, sharing a story of his own family's arrival at this church community, leading to the broader point that true home is found in communion with God — through prayer, the Eucharist, service, and love of others — and that distance from God brings exhaustion and emptiness. Tying this to the start of Great Lent, the sermon calls the congregation to a "return to true home" through repentance and mutual forgiveness, referencing the Forgiveness prostrations and the "holy kiss" ritual. Fr Thomas personally asks forgiveness for his shortcomings and urges listeners to forgive others unconditionally, closing that "there is no place like home."
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