RECONCILIATION - 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT (3/27/2022)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

March 27, 2022

Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 34
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:1-3,11-32

RECONCILIATION

There's something about sharing a meal together that enhances fellowship. I once heard a company executive say that he thought, at least in New Orleans, more business deals got done over lunch than in the office! 

Today's readings talk about reconciliation, restoration, and communion - symbolized by eating a meal together.

JOSHUA

The first reading starts out, "Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you." Welcome words to hear after 430 years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years of wandering in the desert!

When the Israelites had completed their Exodus from Egypt and entered the Promised Land, their supply of heavenly manna ceased. They started celebrating the Passover in the land of Canaan. The removal of the reproach culminates in a meal of reconciliation and restoration.

The Responsorial, Psalm 34, reflects the prayer said at the Passover Meal.

GOSPEL

Our gospel today is that of the Prodigal Son. Some have suggested that it is really about the "Prodigal Father," because of his utter prodigality with mercy!

The younger son, having received his inheritance early, squanders it, and is reduced to shame, poverty and starvation. He finally comes to his senses - no doubt aided by hunger pangs - and decides to return to his father to ask for a job as a hired hand - if only to get some food to eat!

The son respects the father's authority and acknowledges that he has sinned. The father, for his part, is lavish with signs of affection - robe, ring, sandals. A feast is prepared, much to the chagrin of the elder brother. 

This is one of the most well-known of all the parables. Let us not miss the point that the return and reconciliation of the wayward son is sealed and celebrated with a meal.

2 CORINTHIANS

The second reading also emphasizes reconciliation. "God... has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given to us the ministry of reconciliation."

Christ is our reconciliation and entrusts the message of reconciliation to his ambassadors (us). God appeals to all of us through St. Paul: "We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Today's last verse is one of the most powerful and striking in Paul's letters: "For our sake he made him to be sin, who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him."

RECONCILIATION

Today is Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, so called because of the Entrance Antiphon. It is fitting, then, that the emphasis today is on reconciliation and restoration of communion - symbolized by the fellowship meal. For us, of course, this is the Holy Eucharist - sacrament, sacrifice, and Real Presence of the body, blood, soul and divinity of the Lord Jesus. In the Eucharist, as a song from the seventies says: "God and man at table are sat down."

Let us give thanks to the Lord for his mercy, reconciliation, and restoration. Let us thank him also for the Eucharist, so far surpassing the Passover Meal of the Old Covenant.