Fourth Sunday of Lent

As we continue our Lenten journey, in today's Gospel taken from Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 for the fourth Sunday of Lent, Jesus teaches about his Father's forgiveness in the parable of the prodigal son. It is a story about a young son who goes astray, only to be welcomed back by his father. The elder son, who has stayed by his father's side, struggles with the justice of his younger brother's return. This parable has meaning for modern ears when we put ourselves in the story.

1. In the parable, the father represents a loving, compassionate, and forgiving God. He loves his elder son and rejoices when his young son returns. Do we show compassion for people who have made poor choices? Do we forgive people who have sinned against us?

2. The young son in the parable abandons his father and leaves home. He even asks for his inheritance early, which was a great insult while his father was still alive. After much struggle, the young son returns to his father and begs for forgiveness. When have we abandoned the Father only to receive his grace and forgiveness when we returned?

3. The eldest son remains faithfully at his father's side, tending the fields and maintaining his responsibilities. He is angry with his brother for leaving and even angrier at what seems to be the injustice of celebrating upon his return. The parable concludes with the elder brother standing outside the party. Will he go in? Are we like the elder son, faithfully staying by our Father, but resenting another who is forgiven and welcomed back?

Today, Sunday, we will have a Parish Retreat from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, including a Parish Reconciliation Service at 4:30pm at the Parish Center. We are required to receive the Sacrament of reconciliation at least once each year. At the same time, the Church urges us to go to confession more frequently in the season of Lent.

Confessing our sins to a priest through the Sacrament of Reconciliation makes God's never ending love and forgiveness real for us: in the sacrament it is Christ himself who forgives our sins. Acknowledging our sins and asking God for forgiveness helps us, in turn, forgive others. With contrite hearts we repent and pledge to sin no more. We ask God's forgiveness and agree to make amends for our sins. When we are forgiven, we receive God's grace and rejoice with our loving God who always calls us back to light and life.

May God bless you!