When a relationship or a marriage begins to sour people often remember wistfully the earlier days when everything seemed wonderful. If only we could begin again and avoid the same mistakes! Sometimes that is possible but often it is too late. The people of Israel longed to begin afresh their relationship with God. Micah reassures them; with God it is never too late. Mercy and forgiveness is what God is all about and God never turns his back on us. A new beginning is possible. Perhaps we are the ones in need of forgiveness or a new beginning - let us never despair or be disheartened. Call upon God - now!

We all know the story of the prodigal son so well but perhaps we don't understand it well. The Father allowed the son to go and make a fool of himself - that was the only way he would learn. It was the pain and suffering of his experience that made the son wake up and return home - it's never too late. The Father received him back with joyful, open arms. He was never angry with him in the first place and there was no talk of punishment. The older son? Well, he was the 'perfect' son except that he did not know how to love. And that is the whole point - it's about love. Let us return to our Father's house without fear or shame - God waits patiently for us.