Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent, traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, we are invited to rejoice in the God who consistently offers us new beginnings. Our readings speak powerfully about reconciliation, new life and God’s unfathomable mercy. They encourage us to abandon whatever hinders our relationship with the Lord and to draw near to the One who eagerly awaits our return.

In the First Reading (Joshua 5:9–12), we hear that the people of Israel have finally entered the Promised Land. With the crossing of the River Jordan, the miraculous provision of manna ceases, and they begin to eat the produce of their new home. This symbolic moment signals a transition from wandering in the wilderness to establishing themselves as God’s covenant people. For the ancient Israelites, the Promised Land represented both the fulfilment of God’s promise and the start of new responsibilities. No longer would they depend on manna dropping from heaven; they needed to cultivate the land and organise their communal life according to the divine law. In our modern society, we can become complacent, relying on familiar comforts rather than growing into new depths of responsibility and faith. This reading challenges us: are we willing to move beyond our “safe zones” into the next stage God has prepared, trusting that He will guide and provide for us?

St Paul, in the 2^nd reading (2 Corinthians 5:17–21), tells us that in Christ, we become new creations. Through His death and resurrection, God has reconciled us to Himself, entrusting to us the ministry of reconciliation. This passage speaks to our identity in Christ and our mission to share His grace with a divided and hurting world. In Paul’s context, the early Christian communities often faced internal tensions and external pressures. He encourages them to live out the reconciliation they have received, making it visible in their relationships.

Are there conflicts or broken relationships we have been hesitant to mend, whether with family members, friends, or colleagues? The gospel compels us to take the first step in offering forgiveness or seeking it. In a society frequently marred by social, political and cultural strife, Christians are called to model a spirit of reconciliation. We can show that unity is possible when we root our lives in the Gospel.

The Gospel (Luke 15:1–3, 11–32), presents one of Jesus’ most famous parables: the Prodigal Son. The story of extravagant mercy. We know the outline well, an impatient younger son demands his inheritance, squanders it and returns home penniless. Rather than rejecting him, the father welcomes him back with a lavish celebration. Meanwhile, the older son resents his brother’s reception and the father must invite him, too, into this joy. In Jesus’ context, the parable was astonishing. Fathers in the ancient world maintained strict respect and authority in family life. That the father should so readily restore a son who showed such arrogance was scandalous. Yet Christ uses this story to reveal the nature of the heavenly Father: boundless in compassion and eager to welcome sinners who turn to Him.

Lent calls us to genuine self-examination. Where are we like the younger son – reckless, selfish or distant from God? The parable assures us that no matter our failings, we can always come home to the Father’s merciful embrace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We might also resemble the older son – dutiful in external practice yet resentful and unwilling to share in another’s joy. Do we judge those who seek forgiveness? Lent challenges us to root out any pride that keeps us from celebrating God’s mercy extended to others. Our society can be quick to “cancel” or reject people for past mistakes. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to promote an environment of second chances, reflecting the radical hospitality of the Father who celebrates the return of a lost child.

• Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Like the Israelites in Joshua, let us recall moments when God led us from uncertainty to hope, trusting that He continues to guide us to new spiritual depths.
• Be Ambassadors of Reconciliation: Draw strength from St Paul’s reminder that we are new creations in Christ, liberated from sin and commissioned to bring healing where there is division.
• Renew Your Heart through Mercy: Finally, learn from the Prodigal Son parable. If you need to return to God, do so without delay. If you feel tempted to judge, ask for the grace to share in the Father’s joy.

On this Laetare Sunday, as we anticipate the joy of Easter, our Scriptures testify to God’s relentless compassion and His call to transformation. May our Lenten practices draw us ever closer to the God who rejoices over every person who returns home. And in a culture often marked by division and suspicion, may we shine as living witnesses to the Father’s reconciliation and love. Amen.