Sunday 30 March 2025 – IV Sunday of Lent - (C) - (Laetare Sunday)
Mass
Readings: Josh 5:9-12
Ps 34 2 Cor 5:17-21 Lk 15:1-3.11-32
Key
Verse to Meditate: I will get up and go to my father, and I
will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you
(Lk 15:18).
The Liturgy of the Word this Sunday highlights the theme of God’s reconciling work in Christ. In the first reading, we see how, under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites celebrated the Passover after entering the Promised Land-marking their transition from slavery and oppression to freedom and fulfilment (cf. Col 1:13-14). After forty years of wandering in the desert, the manna ceased once they ate from the produce of the land, signifying a new beginning. In the second reading, St. Paul proclaims the profound reality of reconciliation in Christ: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ" (2 Cor 5:17-18).
The Gospel presents Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, a powerful illustration of reconciliation and renewal. The son, once enslaved by sin and estranged from his father, is restored to sonship through the boundless mercy of the Father. This parable beautifully echoes the Passover journey—moving from slavery to freedom, from condemnation to restoration in God’s loving embrace. As we celebrate Laetare Sunday, let us rejoice in God’s mercy and embrace our call to reconciliation, living as new creations in Christ.
The First Reading
At the Lord’s command, Joshua circumcised the sons of Israel born during their desert sojourn, symbolizing obedience and renewed commitment to God. Because of their faithfulness, the Lord “rolled away the reproach of Egypt,” silencing the mockery of those who saw their wandering as a sign of abandonment. This event was commemorated at Gilgal, meaning “rolling away.” The first reading also highlights Israel’s transition from divine sustenance to the land’s natural produce. Just as the prodigal son received a fresh start, Israel too experienced renewal as God removed their disgrace and led them into a new chapter of faithfulness.
The first reading also reflects on the Passover feast at Gilgal, recalling the first Passover in Exodus 12, and the end of manna (cf. Ex 23:15; 34:18; Lev 23:5; Num 9:1-5; 28:16-25; Deut 16:1-8), marking Israel’s transition to the Promised Land (cf. Ex 13:5; Josh 5:6). As they began eating Canaan’s produce, divine sustenance in the form of manna ceased (Josh 5:12), symbolizing a new chapter. Like the prodigal son’s renewal, Israel’s faithfulness led to a fresh beginning as the Lord removed their reproach.
The Second Reading: A New Creation in Christ
St. Paul, in his teaching on the ministry of reconciliation, powerfully declares: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17). Paul affirms that Christ is the foundation of this new creation. Those who have accepted Him, regardless of their background-Jew or Gentile, slave or free—must now live in the newness of grace. They cannot cling to their former ways, for Christ has become the source of their transformation (1 Cor 15:45; Rom 5:12-19). The burden of the old Law, with its limitations and sin, has been lifted for those who believe. In Christ, they experience true freedom, peace, and understanding. Having received this ministry of reconciliation, Paul, as Christ’s ambassador, pleads: "Be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:20). This reconciliation is not human effort but God’s initiative-fulfilled in Christ, who redeemed us from the curse of the Law (Gal 3:13).
Christ, the Sinless One, Became Sin for Us
The climax of today’s reading is Paul’s profound theological statement: "For our sake, He made Him who knew no sin to be sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21). This mystery unfolds in Christ’s incarnation. Though sinless, He assumed human nature, subjecting Himself to suffering and death-the consequences of sin (Rom 7:24; 8:3). Christ did not possess sinful flesh but took on its likeness to redeem humanity. His sacrifice on the cross made Him the sin-bearer, the ultimate offering for reconciliation. Through Him, we receive not only forgiveness but also the righteousness of God.
The Gospel Reading
On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, we once again encounter the Parable of the Prodigal Son and His Brother for the second time this month (March 22). Unique to the Gospel of Luke, this is the longest parable recorded in the Gospels (Lk 15:11-32; cf. The Good Samaritan, Lk 10:25-37). It is the third in a sequence of parables in Luke 15, all cantered on the theme of God’s joy in the return of sinners:
The
Lost Sheep (Lk 15:3-7); The Lost Coin (Lk 15:8-10); The Prodigal Son and His
Brother (Lk 15:11-32). A clear progression emerges: from one in a hundred
(sheep), to one in ten (coin), and finally to one in one (son), underscoring
the personal and intimate nature of God’s mercy.
The Third Son
Jesus presents the Father as the pardoning figure, embracing sinners with love and mercy. This parable is often called ‘The Parable of the Prodigal Son’, but it could just as well be named ‘The Parable of the Forgiving Father’ or even ‘The Parable of the Prodigal Father’, highlighting the Father’s extravagant mercy. However, the story invites us to recognize a ‘hidden’ third Son-Jesus Christ, the Son-Servant, through whom true reconciliation is possible.
God Seeks Sinners
A central theme of this parable is God’s relentless pursuit of sinners. The Father’s eager longing for His lost child reflects Jesus’ ministry of welcoming sinners-a major theme in Luke’s Gospel (Lk 5:29-32; 7:36-50; 19:1-10). The entire chapter illustrates God’s deep desire to bring sinners back into His fold. What stands out is the extraordinary gift of freedom the father grants his younger son and the profound tenderness of God upon his return. This parable reassures us that no matter how far we stray, God’s mercy is always greater.
This parable vividly portrays our own spiritual journey-our desire to live apart from God, the emptiness of sin, our repentance, and ultimately, our return to God’s loving embrace. Through it, God invites us to experience the joy of repentance in this Lenten season. This parable is precious to Jesus because it expresses the very heart of God-overflowing with mercy and compassion.
Listening to Jesus
The opening verses of Luke 15 set the context for these parables: "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. But the Pharisees and scribes were grumbling, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’" (Lk 15:1-2). The tax collectors and sinners listened to Jesus with open hearts, unlike the religious leaders who hardened themselves against Him. Listening to Jesus is a major theme in Luke’s Gospel (5:1, 15; 6:17, 27, 47, 49; 7:29; 8:18; 10:16; 11:28, 31). As we reflect on this parable, let us ask ourselves: Do we truly listen to Jesus and allow His words to transform us?
The Younger Son – A Reflection on the Mentality of the Present Generation
The younger son in the parable represents the mindset of sinners. He perceives the security of his home as a prison, while life elsewhere appears to him as paradise. He takes his father's love for granted, believing that greener pastures lie beyond his reach. Yet, in his restless pursuit, he fails to recognize that he was already deeply loved at home. Though his body remained within the household, his heart was elsewhere-longing for a freedom he did not understand. His failure was not in leaving home, but in never truly valuing the love he already had.
Dissatisfied with family life, he yearned for a fresh start. By demanding his inheritance, he effectively severed ties with his father, relinquishing any further claims on the estate. In Jewish tradition, the younger son would receive half of what the elder son inherited (Deut 21:17). Furthermore, Jewish wisdom cautions against dividing an estate too early (Sir 33:19-23). Despite this, the father grants his request, allowing him to make his own choices.
"But When He Came to Himself"
The younger son wastes his inheritance in reckless living, reducing himself to feeding swine—an occupation considered disgraceful for a Jew (Lev 11:7; Deut 14:8; Isa 65:4; 66:17; 1 Macc 1:47). It is only in his utter destitution that he begins to comprehend the depth of his father’s love. Suffering becomes the turning point of his life, awakening within him a longing for the comfort of his father’s house: "How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands" (Lk 15:17-19).
To Come to Our Senses: The phrase "when he came to himself" (v.17) signifies the beginning of conversion. Just as we say "nonsense" when something lacks meaning, a person who loses touch with truth lives in spiritual nonsense. Often, it is only when we are pushed to the periphery of life that we realize what truly matters. The younger son, once surrounded by abundance, now finds himself longing for the food of pigs. In his desperation, he makes a decision—to return to his father.
We all need this turning back, this metanoia. Returning to the Father is not merely a journey home but a return to the embrace of divine love. In the heart of every person, no matter how lost, there remains the possibility of repentance. God's mercy is never exhausted, and we must never lose hope in the power of reconciliation.
The
Parable of the Prodigal Father
This parable can rightly be called “The Parable of the Prodigal Father.” While the younger son is often the focus of this story, the true emphasis is on the boundless and extravagant love of the father. He remains silent when his son demands his inheritance, neither rebuking him nor trying to dissuade him. He respects the decisions of both his sons. However, when the younger son returns, the father does not follow legal conventions but instead restores him fully-perhaps even clothing him in the very same garment that once signified his lost sonship.
The Father Takes the Initiative to Welcome Us Back
The father was heartbroken over his son’s departure. His love for him never waned, and he likely looked for his return day after day. The moment he sees his son in the distance, he is overcome with compassion and runs to embrace him-even before the son utters a word of repentance: "But 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" (Lk 15:20).
Remarkably, the father is not concerned with his son’s confession. When the son begins to say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son,” the father interrupts him and orders a celebration. His joy at the son’s return is greater than any grievance.
The Father Was Always Waiting
Jesus tells this parable for all of us. Each of us, at some point, is like that lost son or daughter—estranged from the Father due to sin. Our spiritual journey is one of returning home, rediscovering the heart of God. True conversion means abandoning the sin that enslaves us and seeking the Father’s embrace. What moves us in this parable is not just the son’s return but the unwavering love of the Father, who had never stopped waiting. Though we may leave Him, He never leaves us. As soon as we turn back, He is already moved with compassion, eager to welcome us home. At times, we may doubt God’s forgiveness, thinking our sins are too great. But the Father’s love is infinitely faithful. He does not keep a record of wrongs but eagerly restores us to Himself.
Our Pride, Not Our Sins, Keeps Us Away
It is not our sins that prevent us from experiencing God’s love-it is our pride. The moment we acknowledge our sinfulness, God pours out His mercy, a mercy that does not merely pardon but heals and restores. His forgiveness is not a mere act of clemency but an outpouring of divine tenderness, stronger than sin itself. Just as the Father welcomes us unconditionally, Jesus calls us to extend the same mercy to others.
The Father’s Unrestricted Forgiveness
Both sons failed their father, yet he forgave them freely. The younger son dishonoured him by demanding his inheritance and squandering it, while the elder son rejected his mercy and refused to join the celebration. Despite being wronged by both, the father’s love remained unchanged. His actions spoke louder than words. The new robe, the ring, the sandals, and the festive banquet symbolized full reconciliation and a new life in Christ. As Scripture reminds us, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezek 18:23). God’s desire is not condemnation but repentance and renewal.
Both Sons Were Lost
In truth, this parable is not just about one lost son but two. Both sons failed their father—socially, economically, and morally. The younger son’s demand for his inheritance diminished the family’s wealth and left his father poorer. The elder son, by refusing to enter the feast, publicly dishonoured his father once again. This is why the parable could also be called “The Parable of the Lost Sons.” Both were distant from the father-one physically, the other spiritually.
The Waiting Father
The father’s love never wavered. Whether his son was home or far away, he loved him just the same—perhaps even more in his absence: "So he set off and went to his father. But 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" (Lk 15:20). God is always waiting for us, calling us to return and renew our hearts. The question is: How do we respond? God never tires of waiting for us-it is we who grow weary of approaching Him. As Scripture reminds us: “Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Pet 3:15).
The Father Acts Like a Mother
Jesus’ teaching was radical for His time. According to biblical scholar E. P. Sanders, the idea of offering immediate forgiveness to a repentant sinner was scandalous to the Jews. They believed that one could obtain God’s forgiveness only after making restitution and atoning for sins. They expected full and unconditional divine forgiveness only at the end of time. Yet, the father in the parable disregards societal expectations-he ignores the patriarchal norms, family honour, and inheritance rights. Instead, he acts with tender compassion, like a mother. In him, we see both paternal authority and maternal love. In other words, Jesus was telling the Pharisees that His offer of forgiveness signalled the very presence of God’s Kingdom among them-something they were unwilling to accept.
The Father’s Love: A Reflection of God’s Mercy
The younger son disregarded his father’s moral and financial claims. He spent his wealth recklessly (Eph 5:18; Tit 1:6; 1 Pet 4:4), only to find himself in need. Yet the father welcomed him without hesitation, not because of his confession but because of his love. "Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Lk 15:21).
But
the father’s only concern was restoring his son’s dignity, fully reinstating
him in the family. The true central figure in this parable is the waiting
father. He loved both sons equally-despite their failures.
The Elder Son’s Attitude
The elder son in the parable represents the mentality of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus directed this teaching toward them because, like the elder son, they justified themselves while rejecting sinners-unlike God, who embraces every person despite their sins and failures. The elder brother did not share in the joy of his younger brother’s return: "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound." Then he became angry and refused to go in (Lk 15:27-28).
The Elder Son’s Disobedience
When his father invited him to join the celebration, the elder son refused. Not only did he disobey his father, but he also disrespected him by remaining outside, unwilling to participate in the family’s joy:
"Then
he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead
with him" (Lk 15:28). His response to his father lacked even the most
basic respect. He criticized him openly and made harsh, unfounded accusations
about his younger brother’s character (Lk 15:29-30).
The phrase "Your brother has come" must have been a shock to him. In his absence, he had carved out a space for himself. He believed that since his brother had left, the entire remaining inheritance would belong to him. Now, with his brother’s return and the ensuing celebration, he felt threatened. His comfort zone was disrupted, and his brother became an unwelcome intruder into his security.
Who knows-perhaps he was not happy even when his brother had left. It is possible that the two brothers were not on good terms or that he was even part of the reason why his younger brother decided to leave. Maybe he resented him all along. At any rate, he objected to the welcome given to someone who, in his eyes, had done nothing to deserve it but had instead caused harm to their father. Perhaps he also feared losing some of his inheritance. So, he became angry. The elder son’s attitude is reminiscent of the first set of labourers in the vineyard who complained to the master: "These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat" (Mt 20:12).
The Spiritual Pride of the Elder Son
From his response, we see that the elder son did not think of himself as a beloved son but rather as a servant or slave. Though he lived in his father’s house, his heart was distant. Outwardly, he appeared obedient, but inwardly, he was resentful. He had served his father with a spirit of obligation rather than love. Moreover, he refused to acknowledge his younger brother as his own. Both the servant and the father refer to the younger son as "your brother" - "Your brother has come" (Lk 15:27) says the servant. "We must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother has returned" (Lk 15:32) says the father. However, the elder son distances himself from his brother, referring to him as "this son of yours" (Lk 15:30) rather than "my brother." This attitude reflects the spiritual pride of the Pharisees, which prevented them from rejoicing over the return of sinners. Spiritual pride poisons the heart and hinders true fraternity. This is why, in the parable, both sons are guilty of serious failings-yet the father desires to forgive them both.
Points for Personal Reflection
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most profound illustrations of God's boundless mercy towards us sinners in Scripture. In telling the story, Jesus identifies Himself with God in His loving attitude toward the lost, symbolized by the younger son (referring to the tax collectors and sinners of Luke 15:1). As the apostle Paul reminds us, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23), in many ways, we are all prodigals-straying from God, recklessly squandering the gifts He has entrusted to us, and, at times, finding ourselves lost in the depths of sin. Even when we wander from His path, He reaches out with mercy, longing to restore us. Whether in open rebellion or quiet resentment, God’s pursuit of us never ceases. He does not redeem us through our own efforts but by His mercy alone, received through faith (Ep 2:9; Rom 9:16). In this sacred narrative, we find the assurance that nothing-no sin, no failure, no distance-can separate us from the boundless love of God.
As
we journey through this Lenten season, we are called to deepen our inner
conversion. May this parable inspire us to return to the Father, embrace the
joy of repentance, and listen more deeply to Christ, who leads us back to the
fullness of life. May the loving gaze of our Father touch our hearts.
