# The Father’s Prodigal Love on the Fourth Sunday of Lent
*2016-03-07*

> Bill reflects on the parable of the prodigal son, drawing on Pope Francis’ Lenten conversion and the example of St. Mary Ann of Jesus, and offers a prayer for those who have strayed from the Church.

## Opening Thoughts

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent, and we’re using the Lenten resource *Renew Our Hearts*, a personal imitation of Pope Francis’ Lenten conversion. The theme is “The Father’s Prodigal Love.”

## The Parable and Its Meaning

We hear the familiar story of the two brothers: the younger who squanders his inheritance, leaves home, and later returns, and the older who stays and feels jealous when the father celebrates the prodigal’s return. The Gospel (Luke 15:32) says, “We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”

The parable reveals the Father’s boundless mercy. The lost son, once thought dead, is restored to life—an image of the whole Christian Gospel. Mercy, not merely justice, is the force that saves us from sin, moral evil, and spiritual darkness. God’s love fills the void that evil creates in our hearts.

## St. Mary Ann of Jesus as a Model

Today’s feast is St. Mary Ann of Jesus, a 17th‑century Ecuadorian who lived only 31 years but exemplified a life of prayer, simplicity, and service. She shows us how to combine prayer with giving and helping those in need—a concrete way to live out the mercy we receive from the Father.

## A Personal Reflection

In my own twenties I drifted away from the Church, but returning brought a deep, grateful peace. I pray for anyone who has strayed that they may experience the Father’s open arms, just as the prodigal son did.

## Prayer

Jesus, help me put away my sins and return to you with all my heart. Amen.

*God’s patient love never ceases; He always waits joyfully for each child who returns.*