“Rejoice, O Jerusalem; Come together all you that love her; rejoice you that have been in sorrow; that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of her consolation.” Friends, on this fourth Sunday of Lent Year C, Our Mother Church encourages us to; “Rejoice and be joyful” because Christ is willing to reconcile us to his Father. Once, a man became sick. He was told that the only condition to be healed was to forgive and reconcile with those who offended him. So, he wrote to his debtors and enemies; “My dear, having realized the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, I have canceled all the debts you owe me. Please let us continue to be friends again, and always pray for me.” The readings of today invite us to reflect on God’s mercy, faithfulness, and the new beginnings He offers us. Through the stories of the Israelites’ first Passover in the Promised Land, the parable of the Prodigal Son, and Paul’s teaching on becoming a new creation in Christ, we learn about God’s constant care and call to reconciliation. These readings remind us of the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and embracing a renewed life in Christ. Lord, thank You for Your constant care and mercy. Help us to seek new beginnings in You and to forgive others as You forgive us. Guide us to live in peace and love.
Friends, the first reading of today highlights the Israelites’ first Passover in the Promised Land. This event marks a new beginning for them and shows God’s faithfulness. He fulfilled His promise to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. Brothers and sisters, this celebration is a powerful reminder of God’s constant care. The Israelites’ journey was long and difficult, but God was always with them. Their first Passover in the Promised Land is a moment of gratitude and renewed hope. The first reading of today encourages us to reflect on our journeys. We are reminded of God’s promises and His presence in our lives. Just as the Israelites celebrated their new beginning, we too can find joy in God’s promises and look forward to our new beginnings with faith and hope.
Friends, in today’s second reading, Paul tells us that we are “products of Christ’s reconciliation.” Christ took the first initiative of reconciling us to God. In order words, owing to sin, we were cut off from God. However, through the sacrifice of Christ, we became God’s adopted children. So, we are all children of the same father through Christ’s sacrifice. Brothers and sisters, Paul teaches that anyone in Christ is a new creation. The old life is gone, and a new life begins. This shows God’s power to renew us. In Christ, God reconciles the world to Himself. He calls us to be reconciled with Him and with others. This means healing our relationships and living in peace. The second reading of today reminds us of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Today Paul encourages us to seek a new beginning in Christ. By embracing this new life, we can grow closer to God and each other.
Friends, the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in the Gospel for the fourth Sunday of Lent Year C, is a story with twists, turns, and reversals. It focuses on freedom and duty, showing how God’s mercy can change lives. The younger son seeks freedom. He wants to live as he wishes, without respect for his father. He even implies that he would prefer his father were dead to claim his wealth. When he returns home, he is more interested in physical comfort than in a relationship with his father. The older son is dutiful. He serves his father without complaint but harbors resentment. He takes pride in being “the good son” and wishes for a reward. He is driven by his ego and desires to be held in high esteem. He becomes furious when his reckless brother returns and is restored to the same level in the family. Neither son seems motivated by love. The younger son is selfish, while the older son is prideful. Their actions show a lack of understanding of their father’s love. They focus on themselves rather than their relationship with their father. The father, however, loves both of his sons dearly. He uses his love to show the proper place of freedom and duty. He is generous and forgiving with his younger son, welcoming him back wholeheartedly. He could have easily been offended by the older brother’s attitude but instead reassures him of his love and shared inheritance.
Friends, the parable of the prodigal son is also a story of a loving father and a humble and repented son. It is the story of reconciliation at its best. Most importantly, it reflects our own daily stories and struggles. Brothers and sisters, it does not matter how far we have gone away from God or how terrible our past was. What matters is that Christ is willing to reconcile us to his Father and restore our lost glory. He beckons on us; “Come let us settle the matter, though your sin is as red as scarlet, they will be white as snow” (Is:1:18). Therefore, this season we must constantly seek reconciliation with God through Christ. We must humbly rediscover ourselves, and like the prodigal son, we must confess; “I have sinned against heaven and earth.” We must also say to God, “I am coming home.” This is what Paul means when he appeals to us to reconcile with God. He simply asks us to realize who we are and change our track and mind like the prodigal son.
Friends, we must cast away all shame and pride to reconcile with God and others through Christ. Through his church, Christ has made things easy for us. He has given us the sacrament of reconciliation as a means of constantly reconciling ourselves to God. The sacrament of reconciliation helps us in three ways; first, reconciliation with God, then reconciliation with our brothers and sisters, and reconciliation with oneself. One leads to the other. Our reconciliation with God is strongly dependent on our reconciliation with others and, of course, with ourselves. Brothers and sisters, this Lent, let us take advantage of this sacrament instituted by Christ through his Church to reconcile ourselves with God and with our neighbors. This sacrament is a blessing to all of us because it mediates God’s grace to us. The psalmist invites us today; “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Prayerful Lenten Season
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Repent and believe in the Gospel!
By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
