Fourth Sunday of Lent
Joshua 5: 9a, 10-12 | 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21 | Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
Today, Laetare Sunday is a time for rejoicing. Lent is more than half over. Redemption, forgiveness, and new life draw closer to us as we hear again one of the most famous of Jesus’ parables.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates God’s boundless mercy and love for those who have strayed. The younger son represents those who seek fulfillment in worldly pleasures but find themselves lost and broken. The father, a symbol of God, welcomes him back with open arms, emphasizing grace and forgiveness. The elder son, resentful of this mercy, reminds us of the danger of self-righteousness.
Today, the “lost” could be anyone who feels disconnected from God—those struggling with addiction, homelessness, broken relationships, or a lack of purpose. They may also be individuals consumed by materialism, success, or pride, unaware of their spiritual needs. This parable challenges us not only to recognize our own lostness but also to extend God’s love and grace to others, welcoming them home with open hearts.
Where do we find ourselves in this parable? Are we grieving? Are we apart or lost from all we hold dear? Have we turned our back on those who love and support us? Do we want to live differently? Do we offer exuberant love and compassion to others?
This story of the prodigal is a powerful one about forgiveness and new life. It’s a story about a father who loved his two children to distraction and wanted them to love each other too. It’s a story about a father who went to ridiculous lengths to save what was lost. It’s a story of instant forgiveness with no strings attached. Doesn’t that sound like God’s love for each of us?
I daresay at some point in our lives, we have all wanted to change…perhaps something small or something monumental about ourselves. Today’s gospel speaks to the possibility of change, the possibility of new life, and the reminder that it’s always OK to come back to God. The central truth of the parable is the image of God’s heart of love toward all of us.
Jesus purposefully leaves the story open-ended, inviting us to place ourselves in the shoes of one or more of the characters. We are invited to consider our own relationships, judgments, and behaviors. We are invited to consider our love and compassion for others or our lack of that love. We are invited to consider our own desire for change, new life and conversion.
Where do we stand? How will we respond?
Loving God, give us the courage of faith to be ridiculously generous and magnificently loving as we celebrate “rejoicing” Sunday.
Sr. Mary Ann Collins, OP