“We need Christians who make God’s mercy and tenderness for every creature visible to the men and women of our day. We all know that the crisis of modern man is not superficial but profound… The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the gospel.” (Pope Francis)
On this mid-way Sunday of Lent, we are given such images and words as feasting, newness of creation, compassion, reconciliation and even “radiance of joy” (Ps 34). The Gospel is one we have heard so often but is always new: Jesus’ story known as the Prodigal Son. Henri Nouwen, a great spiritual writer, in his The Return of the Prodigal Son, identifies with the son. “I leave home every time I lose faith in the voice that calls me the Beloved and follow the voices that offer a great variety of ways to win the love I so much desire.”
