Let’s embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
The 4th Sunday of Lent reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy
Spirit and invites us to return to the Church, our spiritual home. In the second
reading, St. Paul proclaims, “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old
things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” This beautiful
message emphasizes that our identity in Christ brings renewal and revitalization
into our lives. For anyone who feels they’ve drifted away from the Church or have
stepped back from their faith, this passage shines as a beacon of hope. It
encourages us to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, guiding us toward
reconciliation and a joyful sense of belonging once again.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, captures this sentiment by reminding us that
the Church truly needs to be a place of healing and warmth. He envisions it as a
comforting “field hospital” for the spiritually wounded, emphasizing a ministry of
closeness and compassion. This message feels particularly poignant as we find
ourselves in the Lenten Season, a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
We are excited about our upcoming Penance Service at the parish on
Wednesday, April 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. Fourteen priests will be present, ready to
offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, creating a wonderful opportunity for
healing. The service underscores the significance of returning to God, helps us
seek forgiveness, and encourages us to embrace the fresh starts that await us.
In today’s Gospel, St. Luke presents the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which
holds significant importance in the Christian tradition. While it reveals powerful
themes of personal conversion and divine forgiveness, a profound invitation is
intertwined into this parable. It encourages us to consider the broader meaning of
reconciliation, not only between ourselves and God but also among our families
and friendships. Indeed, St. Luke’s open-ended conclusion leaves us questioning
whether the elder son chose to join in the celebration or if the brothers could truly
reconcile. This ambiguity invites us to reflect on our own relationships and
inspires us to embrace others in the healing and sense of community that the
Church lovingly provides.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we continue this Lenten journey, let us create an
environment that encourages openness to the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we can
cultivate a supportive community eager to embrace our faith and return home, by
sharing this invitation with our loved ones and friends. This season is a fitting
time to extend our hands and hearts, guiding others toward the healing embrace
of the Church. Together, with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can realize the
transformative potential of our faith, achieving not only individual renewal but
also communal restoration as we journey back home.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor