First Reading - Micah 7:14-15,18-20
Gospel - Luke 15:1-3,11-32
The first reading is a prayer and a cry for God's mercy. This prayer for mercy and forgiveness is expressed under two circumstances: Firstly, when people of Israel returned from the exile, they were all beset with their enemies. They were not even allowed to pasture their cattles. Once a huge nation, now had become a frightened flock. The prayer invokes the assistance of God to once again lead and guide the people.
The second circumstance suggests that any threat and defeat for the people of Israel was considered to be the result of the sins of people. The prayer recalls the failures of Israel to respond to the mercy of God and perennial stream of mercy of God flowing for the Israel to accept and forgive them. This prayer infact entails hope of the people for God's mercy.
The gospel passage narrates the parable of the prodigal son, one of the most loved parables of Jesus. What do we encounter in the parable? Mercy of God. However, the mercy of God, in the parable, is unpacked bit by bit in the generous nature of the father. We see, on the one side, the father who is generous and giving but on the other side the son who is self-centric. The self-centric nature of the son is evident in the way he demands his inheritance; he goes away for his personal freedom. Finally, he squanders away everything. The other side, the father patiently waits for the return of his son. He gives in the beginning all that the son desired; the material goods. And he gives in the end what the son desired; forgiveness and mercy. There is no mention of the exchange of words between the father and the younger son. The action reveals everything. The father manifests the action of God who always acts generously.
Jesus tells this beautiful parable to remind the scribes and pharisees, who were displeased to see tax-collectors and sinners sharing the company of him, that God is generous in giving what the sons desire from Him. He doesn't judge nor condemn the repentant hearts but always welcomes.
Dear friends, the time of Lent is for our introspections; What do we desire from God? Have we thought of our U-turn to God like the younger son? We can't deny that whatever we do, whether spiritual undertaking or any work, we do have a string attached to it. It shows our self-centric nature. If we don't take care of our self-centric nature, we will also act like the younger son or the elder son (become deviated and lost), who think for themselves. Let this time of Lent be the moments to remind ourselves that we need God's mercy more that material goods which will get spent and exhausted. Let the time of Lent become moments of our U-turn from our self-centric life to the life of generous giving. Let the moments of our sacrifices make us more compassionate and loving towards one another. It's never too late with God as the first reading and gospel also remind us. We can approach God anytime with our contrite hearts and the desire for renewed life. Let's approach God with confidence and trust for His mercy.
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