Embracing Father's Mercy

04th Sunday of Lent: March 30, 2025

Readings: Joshua 5:9–12: Psalm 34:2–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/IND7eQRV9dc

What do we do in moments of despair? Each one knows how to cope with such situations based on one's education and upbringing. Sometimes, such moments can be very painful and distressing. However, deep down God has blessed His creation with the ability to navigate such complexities and confusion. The Gospel reading on the fourth Sunday of Lent tells us how the Prodigal Son dealt with such a difficult situation. He had the consciousness to go back to his roots, back to his Father. He opted for the option of being embraced by his father. He knew his father more than anyone else. That's how he was solemnly received by his father because of his humility and simplicity.

1. Returning to the Father: A Call to Repentance

Today, we reflect upon the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:1–3, 11–32. It is a story of a profound revelation of God’s mercy and love. It is not merely a story about two brothers but an invitation to examine our relationship with the Father. The younger son, lured by worldly desires, seeks independence but soon finds himself in misery. His return is marked by a humble confession: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15:18). This Lenten season calls us to recognize the ways we have strayed—through selfishness, pride, or neglect of God. True repentance is not merely feeling sorry but turning back with trust in God’s mercy.

In other words, we are called to be different, someone who is attached to Christ. It means to be a person of Christ in words, actions and love. Jesus gave us this example of repentance, reconciliation, and the boundless mercy of God. He is our way, the truth and life.  It is to seek God in all things and all things in God. Lent is a time to be sensitive, simple and spiritual. It is a time to get connected with our roots, the roots of our desire for divine encounter. The things that we encounter in our worldly life might be good in themselves but finding eternal things that add value our lives are much more important to us.

2. A larger heart - open embrace

The welcoming nature of the father of the prodigal son is really astonishing. The wretched son in our worldly standards, deserves no welcome but the Father runs to embrace his son. His love is not conditioned by the son's worthiness but is an outpouring of mercy. Every father needs his son, and every son or daughter needs his or her father. No one can betray the other. Because both are of the same flesh and blood of the other. Each one is responsible for the other. 

On the other hand, the elder sons' attitude towards his father and the younger brother are deplorable. He lacks the heart of mercy. Who does not disobey or go against the wishes of the other? That is where we need mercy and forgiveness, compassion, kindness and a large heart. The eldest son is resentful and unable to celebrate his brother’s return. He probably suffered from low self-esteem. When you see the other person is smart, then jealousy creeps in. That's why he could not embrace the weakness of the other. He could not rejoice at the transformation of the other. 

3. Overcoming Spiritual Pride to be transformed and healed. 

The worthiness of our life as Christians is demonstrated by the spiritual fruits that we reap. Hence, we must cultivate certain standards that would help us to live that kind of life. Without a disciplined life with prayer, penance and perseverance, no continuity is possible. We need grace to achieve this. For example, the daily examination of conscience enables us to reflect on areas where we must return to God.

The heart of the Christian journey is God's gift of reconciliation through Christ. We are reconciled with God through Christ. He infuses us with his graces and the capacity to grow in our identity as Christians allowing us to embrace His mercy, and become ambassadors of His love. We are made new in Christ. We are called to renew ourselves bit by bit just as the cells in our body get renewed everyday. Christ invites us to let go of our old ways—sin, selfishness, and doubt—and step into a renewed life. May this grace be ours today.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Am I living in a way that reflects Christ’s presence to others? 
2. What steps can I take this Lent to turn back to God with a sincere heart?
3. How can I live each day with gratitude for God’s endless love and grace?

Prayer based on Psalm 34

Heavenly Father,

I bless Your name at all times, and Your praise shall always be on my lips. My soul rejoices in You, O Lord, for You lift up the lowly and hear the cries of the brokenhearted. I seek You, Lord, and You answer me; You deliver me from all my fears. As I look to You, my face shines with joy, and I am never put to shame.

O God of mercy, You listen to the cries of the poor and save those crushed in spirit. Surround me with Your angels, and let me take refuge in Your boundless love. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 28, 2025