4th Sunday of Lent - Cycle C

Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32

“...for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” (Luke 15:24)

Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son after being challenged by the Pharisees about eating with sinners.  In the eyes of the Pharisees, the prodigal son has committed many sins: disrespecting his father and abandoning his responsibilities, squandering his money on dissolute living, and literally living among swine.  When he resolves to return home, he does so without expectation of redemption; he only goes to his father to be treated as a servant.

It is likely that the Pharisees listening to this parable believed the prodigal son had gotten what he deserved.  He had sinned greatly and accordingly lost everything.  Yet this is not the father’s reaction.  Not knowing whether his son was dead or alive, “while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”  Furthermore, he does not even let his son fully apologize before lavishing gifts upon him and announcing a celebration.

Like the Pharisees, as well as the older brother who begrudges the following celebration, we can find ourselves hoping that others will receive retribution for past deeds.  When those who have “wronged” us are celebrated, it is easy to feel resentful and unappreciated for all the work we have put into our own “good deeds.”  Yet we are not called to do good deeds for the sake of doing them, but rather for the sake of love.  One of the greatest expressions of love is being reconciled to those who have wronged us or those we have wronged.  In the words of the father, “this son of mine was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found!”

Although it can be difficult to look past the hurt, the good news is that God always welcomes us back with open arms, forgiving us our sins.  As we prepare for Christ’s death and resurrection in the final weeks of Lent, now is the time to consider those relationships needing to be restored, especially our relationship with God.  What is getting in the way of us living a truly free and intimate relationship with him?