🙏 SUNDAY INSIGHTS - 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT 🙏

First Reading - Joshua 5:9-1

Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

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

I once heard a story about someone who decided to leave behind an old life filled with mistakes and shame. With a simple step of faith, that person embraced a new beginning and, in doing so, transformed relationships and rebuilt trust. This practical journey mirrors what our readings invite us to do every day.

In the first reading, God tells His people that He has rolled away the reproach of Egypt from them. This is not just ancient history—it’s a reminder that our past, with all its failures and hurts, no longer defines us. God offers us a fresh start, a chance to step into a new identity free from the weight of our former lives. Practically speaking, this means we can let go of the guilt and shame that hold us back, and instead, walk confidently in the freedom that God has granted us.

Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians takes this even further by declaring that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. This isn’t a mystical idea; it’s a call to live differently. When we accept that we are transformed, we’re invited to actively participate in God’s work of reconciliation. This might mean mending broken relationships, reaching out to someone we’ve hurt or who has hurt us, or simply being the peacemaker in our community. Our new life in Christ isn’t just for our own benefit—it’s meant to be shared with others through practical acts of forgiveness, kindness, and service.

Then there is the powerful image of the prodigal son in Luke’s Gospel. Here, the young man’s journey away from his father and his eventual return remind us that both the act of returning to God and the act of welcoming someone back require humility. The prodigal son had to face his own failures and admit his need for mercy. On the other hand, his father had to overcome any sense of entitlement or judgment to embrace him fully. In our daily lives, this means examining our hearts and asking ourselves: Are we ready to seek forgiveness for our mistakes? And are we equally ready to offer forgiveness to others, even when it might be difficult?

These readings encourage us to live practically and intentionally. They challenge us to let go of the past and to live as new creations, embracing every opportunity for reconciliation. Whether it’s apologizing to a friend, forgiving a family member, or simply making room in our hearts for God’s transformative love, the message is clear: our lives are not meant to be weighed down by old burdens but to be active testimonies of God’s mercy and grace.

If you’re holding onto past hurts or resentments, consider reaching out and making amends. If you feel weighed down by guilt, remember that God has already removed that burden for you. And in every interaction, let your renewed identity shine through—be a beacon of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

May we embrace these practical steps, living out our new creation in Christ each day, and become true ambassadors of His love in our homes, workplaces, and communities.