Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday

In this Year of Mercy, the parable of the Prodigal Son, one of the most human and emotional encounters in the Gospels, is so fitting for reflection.  When we stray away from the Lord, no matter what we have done, we are confident and assured he will always accept us back through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  This is a quiet ‘acceptance’ of being forgiven and the opportunity to move forward with our lives.  We hear in this parable that the Father was ‘full of compassion’ for his Son.  He rejoiced that this son who was lost had returned home.   The Father did not ask for any explanation as to why he had left the security of home.

We think of the anxiety and pain of a family when a loved one goes missing.  Their hopes and prayers are constant for a happy outcome.  You can just imagine the homecoming that such a person would receive on returning home after being presumed lost. 

That is what our focus can be during this Year of Mercy. The Lord is willing to take us back, with open unquestioning arms and rejoice in our homecoming.  So during this special year, maybe we could find time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and thus, find our own way home to the comfort of the Lord’s love and care as we journey through life.   

Mary Dee – Diocese of Waterford & Lismore

Taking Our Hearts to the Lord Series of Reflections for Lent 2016