Fourth Sunday of Lent - the Prodigal Son

Today, we celebrate Rejoice Sunday, as we near the momentous feast of Easter Sunday. What a relief to hear those words, “Rejoice!”, as we journey through Lent, perhaps discouraged at our failure to keep our Lenten promises, of giving up a luxury, praying more, attending daily Mass, going to Confession more often, or we merely feel the strain of our struggle. Today, we can let down our burdens for a day, and express pure joy. Our priest wears a rose-colored vestment, or may choose to continue with penitential violet. We may decorate the church with flowers. Our first reading has the Lord give relief to His people: “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.: The Psalm invites us to “Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord,” as we praise Him. St. Paul implores us to be reconciled to God. Finally, we hear the familiar story of the prodigal son, and rejoice in God’s overflowing kindness to the repentant sinner.