FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, YR C
Josh 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34;
2Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32.
GOD EMBRACES US ALL IN HIS MERCY
In this parable from the gospel, we know about this younger boy of the family who asked for his inheritance even before he was legally entitled to it. He goes off and misused all of it “on a life of dissipation”. Things became so bad for him that he fed on the feed of the swine. Knowing that Jews were prohibited from eating pork, now sharing their meals with them was the lowest of the lows for this young man. He has his rock bottom. But somehow, he had a moment of grace, came to his senses and decided to return to the father and plead for forgiveness and reconciliation.
This young man represents many of us. Many times, we go our own way and do what we like. We waste the grace all the blessings and graces the Father gives us. and we behave entitled in the sense that we pray for God’s blessings and have no responsibility. We go off with God’s blessing but do not produce any fruits of holiness and we gradually lose it all. But we must come back to our senses and return to the Lord. This season is the opportunity the church has given us to return to the Lord.
The younger sons’ action we can see someone in search for freedom. Sometimes, in order to feel in control, we mistakenly think that only by freeing ourselves from God’s care and his moral law are we truly free.
This is false because true freedom comes from God. just think about it: He created us out of love and freely. He was not under any pressure or obligation to create us. And yet, he gives us free will. We can choose him or reject him. The truth is that our true essence is in being in communion with the Lord who created us out of love. He does not punish us when we choose to live without him per se, the truth is that we soon discover the consequence of living on our own without him. and this is not pleasant as we see in the life of this young man. If he did not love us so much, he would not have sent his Son to die for us. All his laws are given out of love. His love and mercy are the most important thing. Love is not a restriction, but to live one’s life fully with the other. Love of God is the fullest form of freedom.
This season of Lent is indeed a celebration of God’s infinite mercy and goodness. We must never be afraid to return to him. And we must return with confidence knowing that he will always receive us with open arms. No matter how far you have gone, God looks forward to your return.
There is also the elder brother or son who was responsible and obedient. He was angry at all that was happening because it seemed the father never recognised his good efforts. In the context of the story (Luke 15:1-2), he represents the Pharisees who accused Jesus for welcoming and eating with sinners. they wondered, why Jesus would not dine with them rather who keep they law and are holy?
He represents you and I when ever we feel we deserve anything more than others because we are holier. This kind of Pharisee resides in us. When you get upset because we have not been recognised for all they good we are doing, check your Pharisee. When you think that you deserve more than others because your family was instrumental in building the church, there is a pharisee within you. When you feel that those who have done wrong should forever be condemned and not shown any mercy, you have a Pharisee in you. When you refuse to forgive and reconcile with others you have a Pharisee in you. You lose nothing by being open and welcoming to those who are seeking reconciliation, mercy, forgiveness and love.
May this season become for us a moment of mercy and grace. May we find the strength to return to the Lord knowing that God is ever ready to embrace us. may also find it our hearts to encourage others to return and accompany one another in this journey of grace.
Has this season been a time of grace for you so far?
Have you been able to overcome some of your spiritual challenges?
It is never too late. God is waiting for you.
God bless you.
BY Fr. Delight Carbonu
