IV Sunday of Lent:(C): Josh5 : 9,10-12; IICor.5 :17-21; Lk15 : 1-3,11-32

IV Sunday of Lent:(C): Josh5 : 9,10-12; IICor.5 :17-21; Lk15 : 1-3,11-32

Exegesis: When we read the parables of Jesus, we need to remind ourselves that they are not accounts of historical events. Rather, they are stories with a spiritual lesson for all times and places. In most cases, these stories are not new to the audience. They are really old, familiar stories, which are much appreciated when they are told well. Jesus tells the stories very well indeed but he also adds a "twist" to the narrative. By telling the story so well he captivates his audience and then, once they are drawn into the story, he surprises them with a spiritual application.

The story in today's gospel about a father and his two sons is an old story, going back at least as far as Esau and Jacob. In this story, the elder son is very dutiful but also rather dull. The younger son, by contrast, is wild and unpredictable but also interesting and attractive. In the classic story, the younger son sows his wild oats but then repents and is welcomed home with joy. The older son resents his father's celebration of his brother's salvation and is rejected. The audience is convinced that justice has been done.

In Luke's parable, however, the focus of attention is on the father and especially on his reaction to the elder son's anger. The twist that Jesus adds to the story is the refusal of the father to reject his elder son who in fact is treated by his father with surprising gentleness. When the audience asked why the story had been changed, as we can assume they did, the reply would be that the father is in reality God, who loves his dull and dutiful children just as much as those who are wild and perhaps a bit more interesting.

Anecdote: Everyone knows the popular story of the conversion of St Augustine of Hippo. As a young man Augustine led a reckless and fun-loving life, like the prodigal son in the parable. He was well known in the brothels of downtown Rome. Then came his conversion and everything changed. The story is told that one day the newly converted Augustine was passing through the part of town in which one of the brothels he used to visit was located and one of his former mistresses spotted him. She came after him calling, “Augustine, Augustine, it’s me!” Augustine took a quick look at his former companion and temptation flooded his soul. Reminding himself of his new status as a Christian, he took to his heels, running and calling back, “It’s not me! It’s not me!” “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Joke: 1)A Sunday school class was being quizzed on the prodigal son. The teacher asked one youngster, "Who was sorry when the prodigal son returned home?"

The boy gave it a lot of deep thought, and then said, "The fatter calf."

2) A young boy gained admission into UNILAG. He was so excited that he started squashing his school fees. Unknowingly to him the father just lost his job.

In 1 month, he exhausted all the cash he was given for the semester.

Initially, he didn't want to demand for more money, not to give the parents the impression that he is a prodigal son.

After advice from friends, he decided to send the parents telegraph, since he no money. You remember, the more the words you send, the more you pay. So the boy summarized it. And the telegraph reads:

SON: "Father, Money Required, Classes started, Situation critical, Suicide imminent".

When the father received the telegraph, he wrote:

FATHER: "Son, money unavailable, Classes suspended, Situation more critical, Suicide approved"

Life Implications: 1) Those of us who lead quiet and "responsible" lives may very well fall into the trap of angry, resentful and judgmental attitudes toward others who seem to be "getting away with murder." What we need to ask ourselves is whether we have the kind of love that can understand why others, often less privileged than ourselves, may need both correction and forgiveness. The civil law is concerned almost exclusively with rebellious behavior but, in the parable, it is clear that the sinfulness of the elder son is much more dangerous.

2) When the elder son in the parable says to his father, "your son," (and, by implication, no brother of mine) has done wrong and should be punished, the father gently corrects him with the words, "Your brother" (and not just my son) "was dead and has come to life again." This wayward son has indeed sinned but he has also repented and has paid a price for his sin. Now it is time to rejoice.

3) The clear point is that we dare not ever disown our brothers and sisters, who are all children of God. On the contrary, we must love them and rejoice to see them have a chance to repent and be brought back to life again.

Introduction: Fourth Sunday of Lent

This Sunday is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, so-called from the first word of the antiphon at the Introit, Laetare (“Rejoice”), taken from the Latin translation of Is 66:10-11, sets a tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery.

Message: Having arrived in the Promised Land, the Hebrews celebrated their deliverance from affliction and distress in the Passover.  Christ, our Passover, has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation: let us forgive one another and celebrate the unconditional and abundant love of God our Father.