When we lose something of value and are blessed to find it, we rightly celebrate. The loss can be an inanimate item such as the key to the house, an important file on the computer or a family heirloom. The joy of finding the lost item can be exhilarating. But this joy is even more intense when that which is lost is a relationship that has soured, but is eventually healed and restored. This is true in our relationships with others, and above all, in our relationship with God.

The happiness of ‘finding lost relationships’ is seen in today’s gospel. We hear the father rejoicing when his son returns home. The father says twice, “He was lost, and has been found” (Lk. 15:24,32). When we reconcile with each other, there is true joy. This also applies to our God. When we sin, we ‘leave’ our Father’s house and drift from each other. But when we ‘turn back to God and come home’, there is now reason to celebrate. God delights in our finding His mercy and love.

Loving Father, we have sinned. In this Season of Lent, have mercy on us and accept our repentance and penance. May Your grace help us to journey back to You and each other. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032319.cfm