V. The Many Forms of Penance in Christian Life

1439
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:³⁷ 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.

From The Catechism of the Catholic Church – rosary.team

Original Link: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P4B.HTM