4^TH Sunday of Lent, Year C

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

Theme: Love and reconciliation

Today is the 4^th Sunday of lent year C. It is also known as the Laetare Sunday. A Latin word which means ‘rejoice’. Thus, literally this 4^th Sunday is a Sunday of rejoicing. This is simply expressed in our opening antiphon of today, which says rejoice Jerusalem. One may begin to wonder why rejoice in this season of lent. But today is called rejoice Sunday because we are gradually getting closer to the mystery of our salvation. And when you look at the readings we have today, they all point to the fact of homecoming, the impact it makes in our lives and the issue of reconciliation. Today we also celebrate all our mothers and pray for the blessings of God upon them and their families, and that God will grant eternal rest to all those who have passed.

In the gospel reading of today, we are presented with the parable of the prodigal son. A parable that is saying something to all of us as children of God. In all the different characters presented in the parable, which one can you relate with or situate yourself. We have the loving father, the elder brother, the prodigal son, and the servant who gave the news of what was happening to the elder brother. In the loving father, we see mercy, compassion and love. This is what is expected from all of us as children of God. In the servant who gave the information, we see an intent to create trouble and division. In the prodigal son we see remorse and regrets. At least his situation leads him back to his father. The season of Lent encourages us to emulate the loving father in our daily lives and be open to reconciliation and forgiveness.

In the second reading of today, Paul tells us that God has reconciled himself through Christ. Therefore, having been reconciled with Him, He wants us to be reconciled to one another. It takes the grace of God to bring this into effect in our lives. But we must be ready to make that first step. We must be ready to make that journey of faith like the prodigal son. This is important in our lives, especially during this season of lent. For it is a season of renewal, it is a season we need to go back to the Lord. It is a season we need to humble ourselves. This is a season to be reconciled to one another and to God. The more we do that, the more the blessings of God abound in our lives.  We pray on this fourth Sunday of lent that God in his infinite goodness and love will grant us the graces of renewal, true repentance, and conversion, so that we will be reconciled with Him and with one another, we make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen. Peace be with you.