1st Reading, Joshua 5:9-12; 2nd Reading, 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gospel, Luke 15:1-3,11-32
Dear brothers and sisters, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
REJOICE IN GOD'S LOVE AND CARE
Today is the Laetare Sunday, a Lenten day of rejoicing in the midst of our penitential journey toward the triumph of Easter. We have so many reasons to rejoice. We rejoice because of God's love and unfathomable care and mercy, as seen in today's readings.
In the first reading (Joshua 5:9-12), the Israelites celebrated the Passover to proclaim the faithfulness of God, who led them through the desert for forty years and allowed them to eat from the produce of the land. Manna ceased from falling, but the Israelites were grateful and satisfied that they had returned home and were joyful to eat the yield/fruit of the land of Canaan, the promised land.
THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON: LESSONS FOR US
Today's gospel reading is the familiar story of the prodigal son and his somewhat "prodigal father," as read in the Gospel of Luke (Lk. 15:1-3, 11-32). Jesus told this parable to clarify and justify his embrace and acceptance of tax collectors and sinners to the disenchantment of the Pharisees and Scribes. The characters of this parable are the father, the prodigal son, and the older son. It is important to note these characters because they play significant roles in understanding Jesus' story and teaching.
1) The older brother was disappointed with his father for granting forgiveness and throwing a party in honor of the returned prodigal son. His attitude toward his father and his younger brother was akin to the attitude of the Pharisees and the Scribes, who complained about Jesus and showed disdain to the tax collectors and sinners. He represents those who show a holier-than-thou attitude by being judgmental and unforgiving. The first son represents those unforgiving Christians who wish that sinners would die in their sins. He represents those Christians who bear a grudge and are not ready to give those struggling a second chance.
The parable is called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and as such, some say that the story was all about the prodigal son. They might not be totally wrong since the prodigal son got more than he deserved. Firstly, he got his own share of the wealth. After squandering the wealth, he undeservedly got compassion and pardon without any conditions attached.
2) The prodigal son represents the tax collectors and sinners who wittingly or unwittingly made choices that have affected their relationship with God but who have come to their senses and are drawing nearer to God to listen and do His will. The prodigal son represents any sinner who has lavished or abused God's generosity, love, gifts, talents, and whatever God has bestowed one with. The prodigal son's life was not filled with vices only. He had virtues, too, namely courage and humility.
3) The question for us is, can we be as bold, courageous, and humble as the prodigal son and pick ourselves up and find our way back home? It is not about how often we have been beaten and fallen. It does not matter how often we are down and out. It does not matter how often we have sinned. It does not matter how enormous our sins are. What matters is having courage and humility like the prodigal son and approaching God's throne of mercy to receive mercy and forgiveness.
4) Some scholars have suggested that the parable be termed "the parable of the Prodigal Father" because they argue that the father was prodigal with mercy as his son was with his wealth. Christ told the story to show God's generous nature when it comes to mercy.
The Psalmist tells us, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy" (Ps 145:8). The action of the prodigal son merited stern punishment by human standards. However, his father chose to extend a hand of embrace and show compassion instead. The truth is we cannot exhaust the mercy of God. We can count on God to be the loving and merciful Father that He always is.
Always remember that Jesus loves you.