The Road Back to the Father's Heart

March 30, 2025 Fourth Sunday of Lent
Daily Readings: Joshua 5:9, 10-1; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on renewal, reconciliation, and the infinite mercy of God. They challenge us to examine our hearts and ask: Where do we stand in our relationship with God? Are we distant like the prodigal son, self-righteous like the elder son, or loving like the father?

In the first reading from the book of Joshua (5:9-12), we see the Israelites arriving in the Promised Land after years in the wilderness. God declares, “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.” For years, they relied on manna, but now they eat from the land itself. This marks a transition from dependence on miraculous provision to trust in God’s continued blessings in a new way. There are times when God carries us through difficulties, providing in extraordinary ways. But then He invites us to trust Him even when His presence seems less obvious. Like the Israelites, we must embrace the new life He offers, free from the slavery of sin and despair.

St. Paul, in the second reading (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), reminds us that in Christ, we are made new. “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away.” God reconciles us to Himself, not because we deserve it, but because of His boundless love. More than that, He entrusts us with the ministry of reconciliation. Let us ask ourselves: how often do we struggle to forgive ourselves or others? Lent is a time to embrace this new creation, to leave behind resentment and guilt, and to be ambassadors of God’s mercy. Just as God does not count our sins against us, we are called to show the same mercy to others.

The Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) presents one of Jesus’ most powerful parables: the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The younger son demands his inheritance, essentially telling his father, “I wish you were dead.” He squanders everything in reckless living and finds himself starving. In his lowest moment, he decides to return—not as a son, but as a servant. Yet, before he can even reach home, his father runs to embrace him, restoring him fully as his beloved child. But the story doesn’t end there. The elder son, though physically close to the father, is distant in heart. He resents his brother’s return and refuses to join the celebration. This reminds us that sin is not just about rebellion; it can also be about pride, resentment, and an unforgiving heart.

Here, the father’s response to both sons is the same: love. He runs to the younger son and pleads with the elder. This is how God loves us—whether we have strayed far or remained near yet cold in heart, He invites us into His joy.

At different times in our lives, we may be the younger son, lost and needing to return. Other times, we may be the elder son, bitter and struggling to accept God’s mercy for others. But ultimately, we are called to be like the father: to love unconditionally, to forgive generously, and to welcome others into God’s grace.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask ourselves: do we need to return to the father like the younger son? Do we need to let go of resentment like the elder son? Finally, can we imitate the Father’s mercy in our own lives? God is always waiting with open arms. Let us rise and go back to Him.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: As Paul reminds us, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Let us show others God’s love through our actions and be merciful, welcoming, and forgiving, just as the Father is to us.