Dear families and friends of St Brigid's,

When we attend Mass this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent, we will again hear the familiar story of The Prodigal Son from Luke’s gospel. 

In this well-loved parable, the younger son has left his loving home, squandered the inheritance his father granted him, and found himself living alone in squalor and poverty. He decides, with hope in his heart, to return to his father to beg forgiveness and perhaps to be accepted back as a servant. However, the father welcomes him with open arms, showing unconditional love and forgiveness. This highlights a powerful message of hope - no matter how far we might stray, God’s mercy is always available for those who return to Him with sincere repentance.

In this Jubilee year, the Church reminds us again that we, like the Prodigal Son, are invited to experience a year of hope and mercy. As the father in the parable demonstrates, we believe that  God’s arms also are always open for those who seek reconciliation; that no matter the distance between us and God, his forgiveness is greater, and we can always return home.

In our current world of war, with its episodes of retribution and violence, we can also look to the parable of the Prodigal Son for a strong and loving Lenten message. When the son returns, broken and repentant, the father does not respond with angry words, violence, or harsh punishment. Instead, he shows compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love. The father embraces the son, celebrates his return with a feast, and expresses with gentle words the joy that his lost son has come back.

We are provided with a clear message for ourselves and for those in our world who have strayed from the essential message of Jesus - he provided a model of non-violence in our relationships, where forgiveness and compassion replace cycles of anger, punishment, and retribution.

The Lenten message this week is clear and vital, with positive repercussions for all those with whom we have relationships and for our part in the wider world as disciples of Jesus.

“Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, 

and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.”