Reconciliation Jubilation

Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday of Lent Year C Readings
Readings: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Notes: Today is Laetare Sunday.

Rejoice, O Jerusalem (IS 666:10).

Today, in the middle of our Lenten reflections and disciplines we celebrate the love of Christ in a particular way: The Jubilation of Reconciliation.

From a few years ago – https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2019/03/31/ive-been-framed/

We completed our parish Lenten Mission this past week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). On Wednesday we had the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Reconciliation with the Lord.
Reconciliation with one another.

Brings… Joy!

First reading
On that same day after the Passover,
on which they ate of the produce of the land, the manna ceased.
No longer was there manna for the Israelites,
who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.

Change Change for the good.

• New modes of operation.
• New modes of being.
• New modes of expressing faith.

[Story of “I’ve been baptized and I don’t have to tell anyone”]

Responsorial Psalm
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second reading
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.

Should not our baptism bring about:

• New modes of operation.
• New modes of being.
• New modes of expressing faith and friendship.

The sacrament of Reconciliation brings about the return to baptismal innocence.

Verse Before the Gospel
I will get up and go to my Father and shall say to him:
Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

Gospel Portion
Everyone in the story needs reconciliation.

The Father because he wants us to be reconciled to him.
The brothers.
The servants.
The friends.
All those hiding in the shadows quaking in fear.

All.

Today is a day to rejoice.
Called into friendship with the Lord and one another.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry