Today’s Gospel is one of the most well-known pieces of Sacred Scripture for most Christians, the story of the Prodigal Son (LK 15:11-32). This chapter in Luke’s Gospel is known as the “gospel within a Gospel” because it focuses on the cen- tral attribute of God, which is His divine mercy. In this para- ble, we hear about a son who demands his share of the inher- itance, essentially cutting himself off from the father so that he can live life according to his own desires. Following the empty promises of the world, he experiences great hardships to the point of eating pig’s grub. When he finally comes to his senses, his father is overjoyed to welcome him back as a son, not a hired worker. Isn’t this true with us when we try to fill the void in our heart with worldly pleasures and treasures? We find a wealth of empty promises. However, the heavenly Father is always waiting to welcome us back and fill us with His grace through the sacraments. He is always faithful to His promise.
     I have heard some theologians contend that the title of this passage should be “the Merciful Father,” as the point of the parable is to help us contemplate the mercy and forgiveness that our Father offers to us. The Father’s greatest desire is that we would experience His love and mercy so that we can share that beautiful gift with everyone we encounter. I pray that every prodigal daughter or son has the image of the Merciful Faher, a more appropriate title for this Scripture passage, in their hearts as they approach the beautiful sacrament of Reconcilia- tion. Once reconciled, we are asked to go forward and do likewise. Who is in need of your forgiveness?
     As we journey toward the joys of the resurrection on Easter, please keep our catechumens and candidates in prayer as they prepare for the Easter sacraments. Also, please keep our beautiful young people in prayer who just received the sacrament of Confirmation. Come Holy Spirit, come!