Waiting....

He has the most compassion on those far away.  To the elder son, He says, "Everything I have is yours---you eat daily at my table; you lie down at night in safety; my kingdom is yours to command as you wish-----But your brother is far off and afraid, not knowing how he will eat or where he will lie down at night.  He knows not whom he can trust, and everyone will take advantage of him if they can.  I want him here, where I can provide what he needs and he need never live again in terror."

And His heart breaks, waiting.....He sends messengers in search of his son, with good news that the Father welcomes back His son.  Finally, he sends His own Son in search of the lost.  Christ makes His appeal through us, and our mission is to those who most need Him.  It would be arrogant to suppose that we ourselves have the resources to supply their need.  All we can offer them is the space in which to meet the Christ themselves.  If we have 2 fish and 5 loaves, freely given, Jesus will multiply these to feed 5000 hungry people.  And He Himself will joyfully welcome them into His Father's house.