6 Mar
Sun
4th Sunday of Lent (C)
Josh. 5:9a,10-12
Ps. 34(33):2-3,4-5,6-7
2 Cor. 5:17-21
Lk. 15:1-3,11-32
(Ps Wk IV)
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As the people of Israel prepare to enter the Promised Land, they celebrate the Passover. In addition, they eat the produce of the land for the first time, and no longer have to eat manna. This marks the end of the long period of the exodus, and the start of a new era in the history of Israel. God has indeed set them free as He had promised. In the second reading, we are told that the resurrection of Jesus provides a new perspective to life. If before the resurrection, we see everything from human standards, now we are challenged to do so from the standard of Christ. All is new in Christ.

Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son paints a picture of this new perspective with regards to one's relationship with God. The younger son, in demanding his share of the inheritance and leaving his home, never intends to return. When he does return, after leading a sinful and wasted life, however, he is welcomed and accepted unconditionally by his father, while the elder son is resentful of his father's acceptance of his younger brother. By human standards, the elder brother has every justification to feel resentful. However, in Christ, priorities change. All that matters, for Christ, is that one is created anew.

Truly, God is capable of recreating and making us new, however, poor, unpromising and undeserving we may be. It is no wonder then, that we too with the Psalmist are able to say today, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."




Lord, renew me today.




DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That families in need may receive the necessary support and that children may grow up in healthy and peaceful environments.
Elaboration

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