Fourth Sunday of Lent – Cycle C
Reflecting on Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
I know you’ve heard my story: how I shamefully commanded my father to give me my share of my inheritance right then.
Now, let me explain a few things. Because I was the younger son, my inheritance would be a LOT less than that of my older brother. Not only that, but he would inherit the house and the farm, too.
So when I rudely demanded my share that day, I knew it would not be much. But have you ever tried to get food from the earth in the hot sun? Year after year, the work never ends. And, too, just a few miles away was the Roman city, Sepphoris. I wanted to there, see the dancing girls, and drink the delicious Roman beers.
The lure of that exciting city was too much for me. I wanted to see the Roman plays, go to the gymnasiums, and assimilate into the Roman culture.
Well, I ran out of money fast, and all my friends disappeared. The work dried up, and soon I was sinning against the Torah more than ever, feeding the pigs and even eating in their troughs!
And I had family back home! I was starving. And here came my noble father, lifting his robe and running toward me! (He had to run fast, too, because the vengeful neighbors were coming towards me, ready to beat me for my disgraceful behavior.)
How good his arms felt! I was finally safe. And yes, I made it up to my brother, taking his work as my own. I share the majority of the workload now—I am younger, after all.
I wonder. Do you have someone who needs your forgiveness?
Are you still resentful of family injustices from decades before?
Kathy McGovern ©2025