Reflection for March 30, 2025

​Fourth Sunday of Lent (C)

Joshua 5:9A, 10-12  | Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

​"Home"—just hearing the word brings a flood of emotions. It’s where we feel safe, welcomed, and at peace. It’s where laughter fills the air, delicious meals are shared, and the best sleep is had. More than just a place, home is a feeling of love, joy, and comfort. This sense of "coming home" is at the heart of the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we may have wandered, there is always a place for us to return—a place of grace, renewal, and belonging.

​Kevin had always been at odds with his father, Romeo. Their constant arguments eventually pushed him to leave home without even saying goodbye. Though he stayed in touch with his mother, Amelia, he completely cut ties with his dad. Years passed, and as Christmas approached, Kevin longed to go home. But fear held him back—what if his father hadn’t forgiven him? His mother urged him to return, but he felt he couldn’t until he was sure Romeo had let go of the past. After exchanging a few messages about it, there was no time left for more. Amelia assured Kevin she would talk to his father. If Romeo had forgiven him, she would tie a rose-colored ribbon on the tree by the railroad tracks in their backyard in San Andres, Manila. That way, Kevin could see the sign before the train reached San Andres Bukid station. If the tree was bare, he would stay on the train and keep going. With a mix of hope and anxiety, Kevin set off for home. As the train neared their house, nerves got the best of him—he couldn’t bring himself to look. Turning to his friend beside him, he said, “I can’t do it. Can you look out the window for me? Tell me if there’s a ribbon on the tree.” His friend nodded and took his place by the window. A tense silence followed. Then, after a moment, his friend finally spoke in a soft voice, “Kevin… there’s not just one ribbon. Every single branch of the tree is covered in rose-colored ribbons.”

If you’ve ever been on a long road trip, you know the relief of hearing your Waze app announce, “You’ve arrived at your destination.” For Israel, that moment came when they crossed the Jordan River. The reading from Joshua captures the joy of finally reaching home. Their time of wandering in the wilderness was over—they were no longer slaves but a free nation in a new land. To mark this homecoming, they renewed their covenant with God. The men underwent circumcision at Gilgal, symbolizing a fresh start as they stepped into the Promised Land. This act foreshadowed what baptism does for us today—washing away our past and giving us new life. They also celebrated the Passover Seder, a feast remembering how God freed them from slavery in Egypt. It was a reminder of their struggles, but also of their ultimate victory. Throughout their journey, God never abandoned them. He parted the sea to rescue them from their enemies. He guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He provided quail every evening and the finest manna in the morning—like a heavenly deli sandwich. Water flowed from the rock when they were thirsty. At every step, God’s presence was with them, offering protection and provision. Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant and reflected on God’s faithfulness when they entered the Promised Land, we are called to do the same during Lent. It’s a time to renew our baptismal commitment, count our blessings, and respond to God’s invitation to "return home."

There’s a story about a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and despite the father’s efforts to find him, he remained lost. In one final attempt, the father placed an ad in a Manila newspaper: "Dear Rico, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father." That Saturday, 500 Ricos showed up, each hoping to receive forgiveness and love from their own fathers.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes Jesus as the new Passover, bringing us the ultimate gift of forgiveness. Through God’s mercy, we are given a fresh start—a chance to become new, to be reconciled with Him. True reconciliation means letting go of our old selves and embracing transformation. It requires clearing out anything that stands between us and God. The more we release, the more space we create for His presence in our lives. Just as the Israelites were freed from captivity, Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin, offering us the gift of forgiveness. But this gift isn’t just for us to receive—it’s also meant to be shared. As God reconciles us to Himself, we are called to extend that same reconciliation to others.

Four years ago, as I tucked my daughter, Jill, into bed, I shared the Parable of the Two Sons with her. We talked about how the younger son took his inheritance early, left home, and spent everything on partying until he was broke. Desperate, he ended up working on a pig farm, so hungry that even the pigs' food looked appealing. Eventually, he remembered his father and decided to go back—not as a son, but hoping to be hired as a servant. To his surprise, his father welcomed him with open arms and great joy. After finishing the story, I asked Jill what she had learned. Without missing a beat, she responded, "Never leave home without your credit card!"

In the Gospel of Luke, the scribes and Pharisees are upset with Jesus for spending time with sinners. Their complaints lead Him to share the Parable of the Two Sons—a story of a wayward younger son who returns home in repentance and an older son who, though loyal, is filled with anger and resentment. The younger son represents the Gentiles and all those who have been lost but now long to return. The elder son, on the other hand, symbolizes the Jewish people and others who, despite their faithfulness to the Law, struggle to accept God’s mercy for sinners. Through this parable, Jesus reveals the heart of God the Father—overflowing with love, always ready to forgive, and filled with joy when His children come back to Him. The father in the story doesn’t just welcome his lost son; he orders a feast, inviting the whole village to celebrate. This meal is a sign of reconciliation—God’s way of showing that no matter how far we’ve strayed, His love never wavers. He reaches out to both the lost and the faithful, calling all to experience His mercy. This Season of Grace is an invitation to "come home"—to reconcile with God, our faith community, our families, and one another. He is waiting. Come home soon.

​<enrique,ofs>