A Message From Fr. Robert

On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, we hear

the well-known story of the Prodigal Son. This parable beautifully

illustrates the themes of jealousy and sin, while also reminding us of

God’s incredible mercy and love.

The Younger Son

The younger son in the parable asks his father for his share of the

inheritance - essentially wishing his father were dead. His father

graciously agrees, but the son quickly loses all the money by living

recklessly. He humbly decides to return home and seek his father’s

forgiveness.

The Father

As he is on his way home, his father sees him and runs to him.

The father joyfully welcomes the younger son and throws a huge

celebration. He shows his son unconditional love and forgiveness.

The Older Son

On returning from the field, the older son is upset and jealous because

he never received even a small celebration for his loyalty. The father

lovingly responds, “My son, you are always with me, and everything

I have is yours.” The older son had everything he needed, including his

father’s presence, but failed to appreciate it.

Questions to Ponder

How often are we like the older son, overlooking our blessings and

letting jealousy cloud our view? How often are we like the younger son,

seeking independence from God, only to find that true fulfillment

comes from being in God’s presence?



The Depth of God’s Mercy

It is impossible for us to understand the depth of God’s mercy. Who

knows, one day, we may find ourselves in need of that same mercy.

Let us be grateful that God is merciful. God bless you on your Lenten

journey.

FASTING: In the dioceses in the United States, Catholics aged

18 through 59 are bound to fast on both ASH Wednesday (March 5

and GOOD FRIDAY (April 18). To fast means to consume one full

meal a day at most, although taking of other, smaller quantities of

food at the other customary mealtimes is permitted. Food and drink

between meals (except water and medicine) is not permitted on fast

days.

ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT: Catholics aged 14 and up

are to abstain from meat on ASH Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent,

and Good Friday. To abstain means refraining from eating beef,

veal, pork, or poultry at least, although eggs and milk products are

acceptable. The consumption of fish and shellfish is permitted,

though the penitential character of the abstinence should be kept in

mind.

EASTER DUTY: All the faithful, after they have been

initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of

receiving Communion at least once a year. This precept is to be

fulfilled during the Easter Season unless it is fulfilled, for a just

cause, at some other time during the year. This period is extended to

include all the weeks of Lent and the Easter Season up to the

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday (June 15th).

LENTEN PRACTICES: The faithful are encouraged

during Lent to attend daily Mass, receive Holy Communion,

participate in penance services, and receive sacramental absolution;

to take part in public and private exercises of piety, give generously

to works of religion and charity, perform acts of kindness toward the

sick, aged, and the poor; to practice voluntary self-denial, especially

regarding food, drink, and worldly amusements; and to pray more