Today’s Readings (from USCCB)
- First Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
God is asked to shepherd His people and show marvelous deeds. The prophet marvels: “Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression…?” He delights in mercy, casts sins into the depths of the sea, and remains faithful to His promises to Abraham and our ancestors. - Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
“The Lord is kind and merciful.” Bless the Lord who forgives, heals, redeems, and removes our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west.” - Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
Tax collectors and sinners draw near to Jesus. He tells the story of a son who demands his inheritance, wastes it in sin, hits rock bottom feeding pigs, then returns home repentant. The father runs to embrace him, restores him fully, and celebrates. The older son struggles with resentment, but the father reminds him: “We had to celebrate… for this son of mine was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”
Reflection for Day 16
As we near the end of the second week of Lent, today’s readings overflow with the tender mercy of God. The prophet Micah reminds us that no other god is like ours—one who does not cling to anger forever but delights in showing clemency. He doesn’t just forgive grudgingly; He throws our sins into the sea’s depths, never to be dredged up again.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son brings this mercy to life in the most moving way. The younger son represents each of us when we turn away—perhaps through pride, selfishness, or worldly distractions—squandering the gifts our Father has given.
Yet the moment he decides to return, even with a half-prepared speech of repentance, the Father doesn’t wait at the door with crossed arms. He runs—something undignified for an elder in that culture—embraces, kisses, and restores his son before any apology is fully spoken.
This is the heart of Lent: God is not a harsh judge waiting to condemn, but a loving Father scanning the horizon for our return. No matter how far we’ve wandered or how many times we’ve failed, His mercy is fresh every morning.
The older son’s resentment warns us too—sometimes we can be close to God in duty but far in heart, judging others instead of rejoicing in redemption.In these remaining days of Lent, let the sacrament of Reconciliation be a homecoming if you haven’t gone yet. Approach with the humility of the prodigal: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” Trust that He will run to meet you.
Prayer
Merciful Father, who is like You in pardoning sin and delighting in compassion? Thank You for running to meet me when I turn back to You. Soften my heart to return fully during this Lent.
Help me cast off whatever keeps me from Your embrace, and teach me to rejoice when others find their way home. May Your mercy transform me, so that like the father in the parable, I can extend forgiveness and love to those around me. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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