Joshua 5:9-12:

The Old Testament readings during Lent outline the story of salvation. On the First Sunday we hear of Jacob (the wandering Aramean) who went down into Egypt, whence his descendants were liberated by God under Moses. On the Second Sunday we hear of God’s covenant with Abraham. On the Third Sunday we listen to Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, where he heard the call to bring the Israelites out of their Egyptian slavery. And now on the Fourth Sunday, we hear of the Israelites entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

During their journey through the wilderness, God had fed the Israelites with manna, but now God would feed them with the produce grown in the Holy Land. So too, the father in the gospel parable provides a great banquet to welcome the prodigal son on his return home. On a spiritual level, the manna is like the Eucharist that feeds us on our earthly journey through life, while the produce of the Promised Land reminds us that God will look after us for ever in heaven. Hence the Psalm encourages us to taste and see the Lord’s goodness.

 2 Corinthians 5:17-21:

St Paul reminds us that God has reconciled us to himself through Christ. Whereas we were previously sinners, God has granted us his gift of forgiveness. More than that, he calls us to be ministers of reconciliation and forgiveness. This forgiveness is a precious gift, because it was gained at the cost of Jesus’ cross. St Paul expresses the mystery in a profound statement: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32:

The parable of the prodigal son is one of the best-loved illustrations of God’s mercy. When we first hear the parable, it seems as if the story tells of one good father, one good son and one bad son. The bad son runs away from home after taking his share of the inheritance and then squanders it, but then he converts. He realises that his father will still provide for him, and so he returns home.

By way of contrast, the good son has been outwardly dutiful, but his inner resentments surface when the runaway son returns. He refuses to join the “welcome home” party for his lost brother. At the end of the story, we do not even know if he listens to his father’s pleading to join the party.

There is one noteworthy absence in the story. The parable does not mention the mother. Has she died previously? Has her absence meant that both sons have somehow felt unloved and uncared for?

In an ancient context, the father would feel shame that his younger son walked out with his share of the inheritance, as if his father were already dead. Yet the father’s love overcomes his embarrassment as he runs to welcome his lost son – despite what some of the neighbours might say.

The older son also causes shame to his father by refusing to join the feast prepared to welcome his brother back home. The father is not a remote parent but one who feels for both his sons. Such a character offers us insight into God’s fatherly mercy towards each of us.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

CCC 1439, 1465, 1481, 1700, 2839: the prodigal son
CCC 207, 212, 214: God is faithful to his promises
CCC 1441, 1443: God pardons sin and restores the sinner to the community
CCC 982: the door of pardon is open to all who repent
CCC 1334: Israel’s daily bread was the fruit of the promised land

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This Sunday, known as ‘Laetare Sunday’ after the opening words of the Entrance Antiphon in Latin, is traditionally a day when the Lenten fast was relaxed. Rose vestments, organ (or other instrumental) music and flowers are allowed on this day.

If there are Catechumens preparing for the full Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil, then the readings, proper Preface and Communion Antiphon of the Fourth Sunday of Lent in Year ‘A’ should be used.

Otherwise, the Gospel for year ‘C’ – The Two Sons – suggests that one of the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses of Reconciliation (created for the Holy Year of 1975) might appropriately be used today. Number One would be a good choice. If one of the other Eucharistic Prayers is used, Lenten Prefaces 1 and 2 are appropriate for Sunday use. 

This Sunday is also ‘Mothering Sunday.’ Many parishes give out flowers for children to give to their mothers at Mass.

A suitable bidding in the General Intercessions might go like this:

“That all mothers may find delight in their children, and children in their mothers, let us pray to the Lord.” or: “For the grace of forgiveness and reconciliation in families that are divided, let us pray to the Lord.”

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Note: These hymns have been chosen from different sources.

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Rejoice the Lord is King (CFE619, L326)

Amazing Grace (CFE40, L846, LHON131, TCH203)

Bless the Lord, my soul (CFE81, L813, LHON862)

Praise my soul, the King of Heaven (CFE602, L807, LHON576, TCH258)

There is a longing in our hearts (CFES915, L941)

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Key

CFE - Celebration Hymnal for Everyone

L – Laudate

LHON – Liturgical Hymns Old and New (Mayhew, 1999)

TCH – The Catholic Hymnbook (Gracewing)