Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Readings: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7.; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Summary
This man welcomes sinners and eats with them (LK 15:2).
Jesus wants us to talk with him and he with us. A dialog. A conversation. There is no barrier to the dialog only the willingness to accept the generosity to be heard. To be really heard. He loves to hear our opinion:
- Tell us, then, what is your opinion? (Matt 22:17).
- What is your opinion about the Messiah? (Matt 22:42).
- What is written in the law? How do you read it? (LK 10:26).
- Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? (LK 12:51).
- Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? (LK 12:57).
These are but examples of the questions Jesus asks so we can open up and talk.
Open up and talk to Jesus.
Lost Sheep: And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy (LK 15:5).
Lost Coin: Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost (LK 15:9).
Lost Son: [to the servants] This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. [to the brother} But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.(LK 15:24, 32).
Reflection
Rejoice!
You are called by the Lord so as to return to him. From the moment of your awakening to your separation from divine love, and While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him (LK 15:20).
Deep Dive on the Prodigal Son: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/03/02/the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-henri-j-m-nouwen/
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033025-YearC.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Happy Lent!
Amen! Listening ears to hear all you want to say.