THE RADIANCE OF REPENTANCE
“Look to him that you may be radiant with joy…” -Psalm 34:6
We come again to the unavoidable Lenten story of the Prodigal Son told in Luke 15 which compels us consider anew our unworthiness of the mercy that we have received. The story, especially looking at two sons’ perspectives, invites us to grapple with our own sinfulness (past, present and future) as well as the sins of others and what happens as the Divine Mercy extends the offer of an unmerited restoration to grace.
The word prodigal refers to recklessness, wastefulness, extravagance and it is typically applied to the younger son who thoroughly squandered his familial inheritance on a life of dissipation and loose living. Sometimes the story has been called the Parable of the Merciful (or Generous) Father or even of the Prodigal Father, for truly the Father in the story the very definition of generous, lavish and extravagant.
This story contains so much! How often have we foolishly squandered all that Christ died to give us? How many times have we been welcomed back by a priest waiting in the confessional to reconcile us to the Father? How many times have we looked at others (or ourselves) and questioned whether another chance was really deserved? How many times have we put a limit on how much we could forgive the offenses of others, like Peter in Matthew 18? How many times have we been restored to our full inheritance given us at Baptism when we became Children of God? We may have lost count. But as often as we need, we return to He who is generous! Prepare now to make a good and humble Lenten Confession. Be radiant with joy to know you can be forgiven and in that way learn to forgive!
It is fitting that this parable is told by Christ since His entire mission and identity is to reveal the Father (see John 14). In His life, death and Resurrection, He is the true image of the invisible God (see Colossians 1:5) and He loves with the full force of the Divine Love.
A few miscellaneous notes:
Recently we have lost numerous pillars of our parish. We pray for them and for their loved ones who mourn. It is such a gift and consolation to offer Masses for their eternal repose.
I am so grateful for the witness of all who participated in our Forty Hour Devotion last weekend, including for the Opening Mass and Solemn Closing, but also for each of the hours in between. I was so touched to see so many coming and going at all hours of the night. I express the gratitude of our parish to Bishop Izen for his presence and homily. The music was truly extraordinary, and thanks are due to all who assisted in any way. Truly we offered the Lord a wonderful Lenten gift!
Lastly, we are on track to get the bells ringing again in the Holy Cross belltower. They have been silent for the last few months due to some significant needed repairs that we opted to bundle with the replacement of a long obsolete electronic controller. The goal is to get the bells ringing by Easter. We have received two gifts so far totaling $9,100 towards a $25,000 expense. While we are not planning to do a parish wide, crowdfunding appeal (pun intended!) for this repair, it could be a splendid memorial opportunity. Let me know if you’re interested in contributing.
Relatedly, a story about the importance of church bells, in which I was quoted can be found here: https://www.ncregister.com/features/thereturn-of-bell-tower-bells-ringing-at-eucharistic-consecration
Gratefully, --Fr. Howe