4th Sunday of Lent March 30, 2025

Readings:  Joshua: 5:9a,10-12 2 Corinthians: 5:17-21, Luke: 15:1-3, 11-32

Today on Laetare Sunday, we are encouraged and uplifted by the Parable of the Prodigal Son First, notice the context. Jesus was receiving criticism from the Pharisees for including tax collectors and sinners into his circle. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Rather than rebuff the Pharisees directly, he engages them in one of his most iconic parables.

Notice the wayward son. He has sunk so low in his journey away from home that he seriously considers eating the feed that is given to swine. He “comes to his senses” with the realization of his father’s love and decides to return home, rehearsing a formal apology speech: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.”

Notice the father. “While he [the son] was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” And when the son tries to deliver his rehearsed speech, the father does not need to hear it because he already knows his son’s heart. Instead, he orders his servants to prepare a great banquet. “Let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life again; he was lost and has been found.”

Notice the jealous brother. People often speak of him disparagingly, but that’s missing the point: God’s love is bigger than our jealousies and personality dynamics. God embraces ALL: saints and sinners! That’s Good News!  All this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ.

We rejoice because of God’s abundant mercy. The temptation to sin can be overwhelming and impossible as it nudges us away from God. But once we “come to our senses” and seek forgiveness, the Lord is ready to embrace us and welcome us home. God calls us to reconciliation. Let us rejoice, indeed!                                                                          

      Fr. Terry.