The Merciful Love of the Father

We have reached Laetare Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing, which reminds us that Lent is a journey toward the joy of Easter. The readings today reveal a God who calls us back to Him, offering mercy and reconciliation.

The parable of the Prodigal Son in today’s Gospel is one of the most profound teachings of Jesus. It presents three main characters:
The younger son represents the sinner who seeks happiness away from the Father. His journey into a distant country reflects how sin distances us from God. But when he realizes his misery, he returns in humility, hoping for mere survival—but receives full restoration as a son.

The father symbolizes God’s boundless mercy. He does not wait passively but runs to embrace the repentant son. This is the heart of our faith: no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to forgive.

The elder son represents those who struggle with forgiveness. He remained physically with the father but was spiritually distant, filled with resentment rather than love.
As people of faith, we are not just recipients of God’s mercy but are called to share it. The Church, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offers us the opportunity to experience the Father’s embrace. Let us not be afraid to return to Him.

We must also extend this mercy to those around us—within our families, communities, and even to those who have wronged us. True joy comes when we participate in God’s work of reconciliation.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us reflect on the merciful love of the Father. May we have the humility of the prodigal son to return, the compassion of the father to forgive, and the wisdom to avoid the bitterness of the elder son. Then, we will truly rejoice in the feast of Easter.