March 30, 2025 -4th Sunday of Lent
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Today, as we journey through this Lenten season, the Church gives us one of the most powerful and well-loved parables of Jesus—the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable found only in the Gospel of Luke, reveals the very heart of God: a Father who is rich in mercy, always ready to welcome back His children, no matter how far they have strayed. The parable Jesus tells us today is about a father and his two sons. Each of them represents a different way people can relate to God.
The younger son represents sinners who turn away from God, seeking fulfillment in the world. He demands his inheritance, essentially wishing his father dead, and squanders it in reckless living. He reaches rock bottom, feeding pigs—a humiliating fate for a Jewish man. But in his misery, he comes to his senses, realizing that even his father’s servants live better than he does. He decides to return, not as a son, but as a hired servant.
The father’s response is breathtaking. Instead of waiting for the son to grovel, he runs to him—a sign of deep love and disregard for social customs. He embraces and kisses him, restoring him as a son with a robe, a ring, and a feast. The father’s joy is overwhelming: “This son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24).
The elder son, however, represents those who, though outwardly obedient, harbor resentment and self-righteousness. He cannot understand the father’s mercy and refuses to join the celebration. His attitude reflects those who believe they have earned God’s love and struggle to accept that salvation is a free gift.
This parable beautifully illustrates what St. Paul tells us in the second reading: “God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation”(2 Cor;5:18).
Like the younger son, we all stray from God in various ways. Sin distances us from Him, but through repentance, we can always return. Lent is our time to reflect: Where have I wandered? Have I sought fulfillment in things that cannot satisfy? Like the father, God is always ready to embrace us. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is our invitation to receive that embrace. The father does not punish his son but restores him—just as confession restores our relationship with God. Like the older son, we must examine our hearts. Do we rejoice when sinners return, or do we judge them? Do we see our own need for mercy? True conversion means learning to love as the Father loves.
Today’s celebration is an invitation to trust in God’s infinite mercy. Pope Francis has often reminded us that “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.” This Sunday reminds us that no matter how dark our sins, no matter how far we have strayed, God’s love is greater.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us: turn back to God with humble and contrite hearts. Seek reconciliation through confession, trusting in His mercy. Rejoice in God’s love, and extend that same mercy to others. May we always remember: Our Father is waiting with open arms. Let us return to Him today. God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
