Dear John,

On this Laetare Sunday, the Gospel reading tells the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Alternately, it could well be called the Parable of the Merciful Father.

In this parable, when the wayward son returned home, his loving father ran to him, embracing and kissing him, asking for a ring to be placed on his hand. The son had done nothing to deserve this treatment, yet the father gave him everything.

In this parable, Jesus has revealed to us who God the Father really is. He teaches us that the Father is not looking to condemn and to find fault with us, but rather is a Merciful Father, who is looking for our return, ready to welcome and embrace us.

Even though we may be unfaithful to Him, God is always faithful to us. The Father wants us to have the fullness of life in Himself.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son reminds us of the emptiness of leaving God, choosing our own way. The Lord wants to restore to us what is lost. He is the One who runs to us, looking for the least opening in our hearts, so that He can welcome us back into the family.

Each time that we return to the Confessional, the Father accepts us back into the fold with more love than we can imagine.

Let us always turn to our Merciful Father, as He offers His love so freely to us.

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Joshua 5:9, 10-12

Psalm: 34:2-7

Second reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Gospel: St. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Here are a few EWTN programs that will bring you closer to Our Lord:

GREGORIAN CHANT: THE MUSIC OF THE ANGELS
Cistercian monks share their insights and perform a beautiful rendition of Gregorian Chant in this documentary tracing Gregorian Chant’s history from Pope Gregory (590-604) to the present day.

March 27, 10:00 PM. (60 mins.)

THE QUEST
This thought-provoking documentary mini-series draws upon stories from Scripture, history, and the lives of saints to explore Christian life as a narrative of joyful courage in the gathering darkness of this world.

March 27–31, 11:00 PM. (30 mins.)

THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P., S.T.D., and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers use doctrine, divine revelation, and natural law to show how the Catholic Church points humanity towards truth.

March 28–April 1, 5:30 PM. (30 mins.)

I pray that this Lenten season serves as a reminder of God’s infinite love and mercy for you.

In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are inspired by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones.