The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year C), March 18, 2007

BCP: Josh. (4:19-24), 5:9-12; Psalm 34 or 34:1-8; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Luke 15:11-32

RCL: Josh. 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

The Pharisees grumble that Jesus welcomes sinners, and he tells them a parable about a rich man and his two sons (Luke 15). After squandering his inheritance, the younger son hits bottom. But then he comes to himself. He resolves to return home to his father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands” (Luke 15:19). That is a moment of conversion for the younger son, and he actually changes the direction of his life as he returns home.

But the father does not make his younger son beg for mercy. Filled with compassion, he runs to his son and hugs him. The father immediately organizes a great celebration, “for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” (Luke 15:24). Unfortunately, the elder son is not pleased by the celebration for his brother. He has been obedient and hard working, and there have been no celebrations for him. The father reassures the elder son of his love: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” But the younger son’s return to life must be celebrated.

St. Paul explains to the Corinthians that God has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. We see the meaning of this reconciliation clearly in the parable of the prodigal son. His many sins are forgiven even before he returns all the way home. Instead of reminding him of his many failures and imperfections, the father clothes him in a wonderful garment. Instead of lecturing him about his foolishness or making him wait as a punishment, the father rushes to welcome him and celebrates his return. The father is delighted that his lost son is “alive again.” The younger son’s trespasses were not counted against him (2 Cor. 5:19); his transgressions were forgiven and his sin was put away (Psalm 32:1).

The Pharisees looked down on the sinners who were being healed by Jesus’ love, and they criticized Jesus for welcoming people who were unworthy. The Pharisees had no heart for forgiveness and reconciliation. But we are called to be “ambassadors for Christ,” in whom God reconciles the world to himself (2 Cor. 5:19-20). We are to make visible the welcome and forgiveness that God freely offers to everyone. We can include all kinds of people in the embrace of radical hospitality. We are to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God, and celebrate our reconciliation in Christ.

Look It Up

The priest’s concluding prayer at the Reconciliation of a Penitent, Form Two (BCP, p. 451), states “Now there is rejoicing in heaven; for you were lost, and are found; you were dead, and are now alive in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Think About It

When have you experienced moments of conversion and reconciliation? How did you celebrate them?

Next Sunday

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Year C), March 25, 2007

BCP: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126; Phil. 3:8-14, Luke 20:9-19

RCL: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126; Phil. 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8