For the Fourth Sunday of Lent…
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him,
and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son,
embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Within the four gospels, only Luke captures Jesus’ parable of what is colloquially known as “the prodigal son” or “the lost son.” More recently I’ve seen it referenced as “The Compassionate Father and His Two Sons.” And that top billing of the Father’s compassion and forgiveness is what I want to emphasize in this small space, as it applies to the Sacrament where we confess our sins.
In his 1984 Apostolic Exhortation on Reconciliation and Penance, St. John Paul wrote:
The confession of sins … is a liturgical act, solemn in its dramatic nature, yet humble and sober in the grandeur of its meaning. It is the act of the prodigal son who returns to his Father and is welcomed by him with the kiss of peace. It is an act of honesty and courage. It is an act of entrusting oneself, beyond sin, to the mercy that forgives. (See paragraph 31).
Personally, I’m so consoled by the words of Jesus that describe the father’s running out to meet his returning child. Let’s not skip over that or ignore that intentional detail: He ran. As if the father was scanning the horizon for this person’s return—this moment, this reunion—in which he would leave no doubt in his child’s mind as to the place he took up in the father’s heart.
Indeed, it was a great act of courage on the part of the son to come home, confessing his wayward life of vice. But a greater courage surrounds him in the mercy extended by the father, whose heart—once grieved and pierced by the son’s earlier rejection—offers not punishment or recrimination, but forgiveness on an epic scale. And none of that bad history is spoken of… only mercy, mercy, mercy is shown in the running, in that embrace, in the kiss of peace, and what follows. The father’s actions underline the truth of the matter.
Lent is a call inviting us to know, and be embraced by, the divine mercy of our heavenly Father. Availing ourselves of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is confession, yes, but it’s also about receiving the gift of God’s merciful love for us. But you don’t have to take my word for it.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church plainly states:
“There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive.” (See paragraph 982.)
The parable of Jesus invites us to experience it: While we are still a long way off… the Father has us in his sights… and he’s running.
Put it on your calendar: Go to confession this week.
Heavenly Father, lead me to your merciful embrace.
