Fourth Sunday of Lent March 21, 2004 Scripture: Joshua 5:9A, 20-23; Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 Reflection: As I reflected on the gospel story of the prodigal son I often wonder why I cannot forgive as easily as the Father. He was filled with so much love for his son, despite the son’s wrong doing. He let his son make his mistakes and his son knew how much he was loved by his father; his father forgave him. Isn’t the younger son just like us? Our loving father is there with outstretched arms waiting for us to come to him and ask his forgiveness for our failures. We promise to do better. The older son was hurt and angry and refused to forgive his younger brother. In our lives we encounter both types – the younger son and the older son. How do we react? Suggested Action: Think about the person that you have the hardest time forgiving and say a prayer for them. Ask God to bless them for you know the love of the Father who forgives you no matter what your failures may be. Sr. Mary Frances Handy, IHM Baltimore, Maryland