LENTEN MESSAGE

MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS

The Holy Bible says, “You (God) will trample our sins and refute and send them to the bottom of the sea!”  (Micah 7:19)

We often have the inclination to exchange our identities from one to another. The human mind has the tendency to seek liberty and free will. Among us exists some individuals who find pleasure among the company of their parents and elders, fulfilling their responsibility, endure them to great extents in virtue of obedience; on the other hand the younger generation even before attaining maturity, urges to have their will and wish over than that of their parents and elders. Christ Jesus narrated a parable to the Pharisees who accused Him for being available and dining with the sinners. Though the story is familiar and famous for the lesson of humanity; it is particularly targeted for families. Any Lent or Lenten activities would be incomplete without meditating this parable. God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ has explained His Father’s Infinite Love so beautifully. The curtain rises on this parable with a loyal father and his two sons; both vary from each other in thoughts and personality. The younger son, immature in his thoughts and decisions, wishes to fly high to seek the fleeting pleasures and fulfil his dreams easily. Restrictions and discipline that arose from fatherly care and concern begins to suffocate him and he approaches father for his share in property.  Taking it, he goes far off to enjoy it entirely. On the contrary, the elder son, being very thoughtful and concerned about his father and family; fulfilling his responsibilities was more important to him that his self-seeking desires or dreams.  The third most important lesson observed is the impartial equal love of the father towards both his sons. As the story progresses into years the awaiting father sees his younger son returning. The Holy Scriptures describes the wayward journey of his. He exhausted himself of all the money and had no food to survive. Living and eating food with the pigs brought some sense of what he was reduced to. He visualised the servants of his father who would have plenty of delicious food to eat and drink. This encouraged him to get up and return to his loving father. Do you think his act of conversion was true? He made up his mind to return when he was crushed under hunger, lack of wealth and devoid of friends or any source of luxury or lavishness. However, we can say he decided to return. Let us, nevertheless, turn to God with an intention to fulfil our transitory requirements; but with intent of a holy life; believing that the perfect way for our daily requirements would search their way to us. In this day and age, we, the prodigals fail to return home. The reasons could be many starting from our lack of courage, sensitiveness to feeling ashamed or the worthless prestige. This parable counsels us never to conceal any of our wrongdoings, encourages us to return to our family and apologise. Resembling to the younger son, due to lack of knowledge or patience to endurance, tired of the corrections or advices of parents or elders could have made you take the extreme step. Whatsoever may be the reason, get up and go right back to the right path where there would be someone eagerly waiting to welcome you back. Make up your mind to put an end to ruining your valuable life. Liberty from discipline at home, elders will surely reach and you can enjoy it at the right time. As the parable concludes, we read how the Merciful Father runs out to hug his beloved son, without letting him say a word. All that mattered to the loving Father was the return of his son and restoration of the family. Upon the arrival of his son, he orders a banquet and marks it as an occasion of great celebration that included everyone dancing and rejoicing; while the son might have wondered upon the unusual feast of happiness.

Dear parents, God wishes that you own a heart to welcome your children when they return to you rather than hurt them out of your happiness and sadness. As for the elder son, his reaction can be considered expected; as it was natural for him to feel unwanted during those moments.  Being an open hearted person, his anger, hurt feelings, resentment, and envy all proved his possessiveness. But there too, the loving Father, takes a moment to console the elder one, “My son, you are with me always and everything I have is yours. But we must celebrate and rejoice. This brother of yours was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.” Dear elders, let us not come to the conclusion that a change in your integrity thinking all your sacrifice will go in vain. A great reward for your deeds waits solely for you! The father wholeheartedly forgives his prodigal son prior to his confession. This is identity of the heavenly Father’s merciful forgiveness to each sinner willingly returning to Him; all the while being aware that he will fall again but with no compromise in the great depth of the relationship.

Our Heavenly Father bestows His grace upon us, saying, “Be merciful to accept one another as how he accepted his prodigal son.”

Let us ponder over your part in this heart touching parable. Are you the donning the role of the Father or elder son or the younger son. Are you the one who strengthens the weak, uplifts the downfallen or a light to those in dark; or one that gives up your own dreams to restore your family. Let us with complete sense be determined to say, “I will courageously break all walls, run to my Father, saying-‘Father, I have sinned against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Reach out to live where true love and joy co exist; be sure that your Lenten resolutions will go on and continue even after the celebrations of the Holy Easter. May the Almighty God and Eternal Father grant you a contrite heart; and your leg will take steps towards His weeping heart. It is only your presence that can transform the weeping into a joyous celebration and feast.

“The Lord is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love….. As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honour him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins from us.”  (Psalms 103) He forgives, approaches us with kindness and compassion that can rebuild us. The father in this parable respects his son’s desire to live his life on his own terms. Though the Father knew what would be in store for his son, if he fulfilled his demand; yet proceeded to give freedom. Our Father in Heaven knows that endowing us with liberty is the only way to receive love from us and at certain times allows to our demands; so that we will learn through the hard way. Freedom of choice, if taken in a selfish way might turn out to be risky. St. Paul says, “If anyone of us is in Christ he is a new creation.” So was the prodigal son, all transformed and liberated from self centric desires. This Lenten season when we thoroughly confess through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, never doubt if you are worthy to be forgiven; instead believe that the old has passed away. Lord Jesus is waiting for you, stretching His arms and granting the forgiveness that you badly need this moment. Never reflect on your past cause it has been eradicated from your history. All this has been extended by God in His merciful act.

Meanwhile, continue your penances, overcome the weaknesses, take a new step towards His Holy Way to follow Him and declare to others the merciful marvellous works He has done in your life.

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ