Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The parable in Luke’s Gospel of the Prodigal Son is a story of great hope for us as loved sinners. Just as the son in this story had ventured down a path that turned away from God, we too, have experienced times where we have been tempted by sin. Yet, this parable reminds us that we can always return back to God and that He will be welcoming us with open arms.

 

On this fourth Sunday of Lent, we can be comforted by the fact that Jesus loves us despite our sins. Despite this constant love, it is still important for us to recognize and confess our sins so that we can be reborn. Just as the son in the story was “dead, and has come to life again…was lost and has been found,” our lives can be saved if we reject sin and turn back to Christ. In Luke 15:18, it says “I will get up and go to my Father and shall say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” Only when we recognize our weaknesses can we be saved. In doing so, we have nothing to worry about. In Luke’s Gospel story, there seems to be a parallel with the father in the story with our Heavenly Father. The father in the story appears to mimic God’s great love for us. Rather than focusing on the sins that the son has committed, there is more of a focus on the love and forgiveness the father has for his son. Through this Gospel message, we are reminded that God’s love and forgiveness are infinite and that He will endlessly welcome us back again and again to be in His presence of peace.

Prayer

God, please help us to recognize our faults and weaknesses and to turn away from this path of sin. Help us to be comforted by the fact that we can return to You, our Heavenly Father, who will love us and forgive us always. Amen.

 Caitlin Shea, ’16

 

Scripture

First Reading: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Psalm 34:2-7
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website