Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Cor. 5:20)

This is the Fourth Sunday of Lent or Laetare Sunday. There is a tone of joy in the midst of this austere time.  The Parable of the Prodigal Son never fails to shed light on the joy of returning to God.  Sometimes we are that son who freely decides to leave the Father's house and sometimes we are the elder brother who feels like we deserve better.  

God always invites and never forces us to love him.  The Father can't leave the house but waits patiently for his son to come home.  His dignity is returned and in some mysterious way, things are made better than before.  This is the truth of our new creation in Christ.  Each of us has the same opportunity to reap the fruits of divine sonship or continue to drink the murky waters the world has to offer.

Questions for Reflection: 

• Have I experienced the joy of knowing I've been forgiven in the Sacrament of Confession? 
• Does the mercy God has shown me help me to be compassionate toward the waywardness of others? 
• Do I patiently bear the wrongs of others as a spiritual work of mercy?