4th Sunday of Lent
On the feast of The Annunciation on Friday Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary . In union with the whole Church we continue to pray for peace in that region as well as the rest of the world. In the Gospel story for this Sunday we hear the story of the Prodigal Son, the contrast between the two brothers is quite sharp. After wasting his share of his father’s fortune the younger brother recognizes the mistakes he has made and returns home looking for the mercy of his father when he says: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son” (Lk 15: 18-19, 21). The older brother takes a different sort of attitude one of arrogance not only towards his brother but also towards his father! His scolding is in great contrast with the tenderness of the father who comes out of the house and goes to meet him to ask him to go into the house (Lk 15: 20, 28)
When we hear this story the big question that we should ask ourselves is what does God do when we turn away from him like the younger son in the Gospel? He does exactly the same as the Father in the gospel story did he waits and when we return he goes out to meet the returning Son or Daughter with endless love. The gospel story of the Prodigal Son is an image of God the Father who invites us to return to experience his love for us when we go far away from him. Of course being given a second chance is not always fair or just and we see this from the reaction of the older son who complains in a big way about his Father not giving him something to celebrate with his friends. We remember that second chances are invitations to move forward leaving our old selves behind. Leaving our old selves behind and getting another chance is why we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation or confession. This sacrament is a chance to the wipe the slate clean, a time to start anew as a child of the Father.
May we like the Prodigal Son not be afraid to come back for we will be received with open arms like the Father in the Gospel story god will come out to meet us with great compassion and love as we remember his compassion and love for us is without measure and knows no end. Over the next few weeks as we head towards the celebration of Holy Week and Easter there will be many chances for confession in our parishes may we take the chance to make that step to return as the father is waiting to welcome all of us.
Fullerton T 