March 30th, 2025 - Fourth Sunday of Lent

During this season of Lent, we recall that we can be like those sons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Both sons feel very entitled, both greedy to the dickens. The only one who stands tall in this tale is the father. He is so patient, exceedingly compassionate, and lavish in generosity toward his two wayward sons.

Through the holy water of baptism, our heavenly Father has bestowed on us a share of the infinite riches Christ has won for us in his death and resurrection. Yet we all have the tendency to waste that inheritance by running away from God, trying to live what many in our culture consider “the good life” of comfort and self-indulgence apart from the gospel of Christ. We also have the tendency to squander our spiritual inheritance by holding onto angry grudges and silly grievances, and living with jealousy — all symptoms of a stingy heart.  The Lord’s inheritance is ours for the taking, but sadly we can waste it if we choose.  Lent is a time to stop wasting the inheritance given to us so graciously by the Father of Jesus Christ, our Savior. It is a time for conversion, a time for repentance, a time to come home to God. The good news is: like the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son, the Lord can’t wait to welcome us back.