Today on Laetare Sunday, we are encouraged and uplifted by the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I want to point out a few highlights.
First, notice the context. Jesus was receiving criticism from the Pharisees for including tax collectors and sinners into his circle. “This man welcomes winners and eats with them.” Rather than rebuff the Pharisees directly, he engages them in one of his most iconic parables.
Notice the wayward son. He has sunk so low in his journey away from home that he seriously considers eating the feed that is given to swine. He “comes to his senses” with the realization of his father’s love and decides to return home, rehearsing a formal apology speech: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.”
Notice the father. “While he [the son] 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.” And when the son tries to deliver his rehearsed speech, the father does not need to hear it because he already knows his son’s heart. Instead, he orders his servants to prepare a great banquet. “Let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life again; he was lost and has been found.”
Notice the jealous brother. People often speak of him disparagingly, but that’s missing the point: God’s love is bigger than our jealousies and personality dynamics. God embraces ALL: saints and sinners! That’s Good News!
The Responsorial Psalm 34 sings of this divine generosity: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
And in the Second Reading from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, the apostle underscores the message of today’s Gospel:
All this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ.
“Laetare” is Latin for “rejoice,” the traditional designation for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. We rejoice because of God’s abundant mercy. The temptation to sin can be overwhelming and impossible as it nudges us away from God. But once we “come to our senses” and seek forgiveness, the Lord is ready to embrace us and welcome us home. God calls us to reconciliation. Let us rejoice, indeed!
4th Sunday of Lent Entrance Antiphon Rejoice, Jerusalem, and All Who Love Her (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #75
Today’s Entrance Antiphon from Isaiah 66 sings of God’s abundant mercy and love.
Entrance Chant Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (arr. by Chris Tomlin)
Choose Christ Missal 2022 #232; Spirit & Song #265.
Chris Tomlin’s contemporary setting of the iconic hymn has itself become iconic for today’s young people. It reflects the Gospel parable of being lost and then found by the mercy of God.
Responsorial Psalm Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 126
Tom Booth’s energetic setting of Psalm 34 conjures up the image of the loving father running out to welcome his wayward son.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Praise and Honor: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 128
This Gospel Acclamation text references the son’s rehearsed words to his father after he “comes to his senses” and decides to return home.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Prayer of St. Augustine (Ken Canedo)
In his youth, Saint Augustine wandered aimlessly, searching for the meaning of his life. He finally realized that God was always with him. You will find the sheet music for this song in the link above.
4th Sunday of Lent Communion Antiphon You Must Rejoice, My Son [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #77
With text from Luke 15, this Communion Antiphon references the words of the father to his other son who was jealous of his brother’s return.
Communion Chant You Alone (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Song #365; Never Too Young #240; Breaking Bread #656
Sarah Hart’s lovely ballad sings of God’s everlasting mercy. It is a song of reconciliation and thanksgiving.
Sending Forth 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman)
Spirit & Song #270; Breaking Bread #544
Beloved by all generations, “10,000 Reasons” is an appropriate song to conclude this Lenten liturgy of joy.
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