Laetare Sunday

My dear Friends in Christ,

Rejoice! Today we celebrate Laetare Sunday, a day in which the Church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances. The readings remind us that God is always waiting for us to return to Him. The First Reading tells of how the Israelites celebrated Passover on the plains of Jericho. In the Second Reading Paul tells us to be reconciled to God. Today’s Gospel is the parable of the prodigal son, which is sometimes called the parable of the forgiving father. It is a reflection on the nature of love and our relationship with God as we receive gifts and are expected to give them back. When we freely accept grace from God, we must also give it. The younger, unappreciative son wants his share of the inheritance and wants to go out on his own. He has no respect for his father and he squanders every penny. The older son is dutiful and serves his father without complaint. He becomes enraged when his father takes the younger son back into the home. The father assures the older son that everything he has will be given to him but now is the time to rejoice because your younger brother was lost but now is found. The father in this story is like God, our Father. He is merciful, and His love knows no end. He shows to both of his sons that his love is enduring and remains present for them, particularly in times of repentance.

Annual Catholic Appeal Update: Our goal is $50,000 and to date $17,161 has been pledged (34% of goal) and $12,413 has been paid. Thank you for your generosity!

May God bless you all,

Father John