Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 30, 2025 (Year C)

This week, we begin with in Joshua marking a critical point in the flight from Egypt.  The passage begins with God removing the reproach of Egypt, transitioning the Israelites from wanderers subsisting on manna provided from above to settlers who are able to celebrate the Passover from cultivating the land.  And it is easy to hear the Psalm sang out by these Israelites, as they are able to tangibly taste and see the realization of God's promise to Moses.  Those who are still with them have been faithful and trusting of the Lord, and they have been rewarded.

The second reading provides a great transition linking the first reading to the Gospel.  St. Paul reminds us that we must allow ourselves to be made anew by God.  Through this Lenten season, we should be focusing on this message, ridding ourselves of our sinful habits and to be reconciled in the new life that Jesus and God have prepared for us.  We must be like the Israelites who found themselves marking the beginning of a new era as they were able to take the gift of land from God and reap the fruits from their sacrifice and devotion to believing in his promise.  Similarly, we must continue on our journeys with Jesus's promise of Heaven in mind so that we too will enjoy the fruits of that promised land.

The parable of the prodigal son leaves me with something different every time I read it.  With each reading, my life experiences have continued to grow and my perspective places my in different shoes each time,  as either the youngest son, the oldest son, or even as the father.  Viewing the story through their eyes provides different perspective, but in keeping with the theme of transitioning from the old life to the new life, I'll focus on the youngest son today.  It can be easy to want right now what you believe is coming to you in the future, attaining gratification without delay.  And yet, in this situation, the youngest son finds out how quickly the material possessions of this world can disappear.  It is easy to picture myself in his shoes, wanting to take right now all that I believed is due to me over my lifetime and just have it.  But at what cost?  Hearing the parable, we know that the father is elated to have his son return, despite all that has transpired.  Remember how that father reacts to his son's return, as I like to think God reacts each time we take a step closer to Him, whether it be a big step or a small one.

Disclaimer: This will be at the bottom of all reflections, but I’m not intending to put out any sort of professional critique, attempt at a homily, or investigation into the historicity of the readings, but will “let the Spirit move me” as some say, to share what has spoken to me in my reading and reflection on the set of Readings for each week.