This page was updated 03/22/2007 05:35 PM Click here for Men of Epiphany home page

Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, March 17th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. If you can make it, this study is a marvelous preparation for each week's Mass readings.

Regarding the readings: On the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of lent in Years 'B' and 'C', there are two sets of readings assigned by the Church. Although I don't know which readings Epiphany will be using, we are using the readings from year 'C' here, as that is what the reflection is based on. Click here for the year 'A' readings if you are interested in reading those as well.

Invite someone to come with you!

Click here for a PDF of this week's study.   Click here for the study in a Word document. 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son, A Reflection of Our Heavenly Father’s Love and Forgiveness

Sunday, March 18, 2007
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 34:2-7
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:1-3,11-32

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

It’s obvious that the prodigal son has botched things up. In effect, he’s told his father, “I don’t care about you, Dad. Just give me my inheritance, and I’ll see you later!” Then, he wasted all his money and ended up eating with the swine. What about you? How do you look at your misdeeds in comparison with his? It’s possible that we may see this story as a lesson for someone who’s really gone wrong—but not for us.

If we think our sins seem minor in comparison, we should keep in mind that all sin separates us from the Father and his love. No matter how big or small our sins, we all need the gift of repentance. Like the Pharisees to whom Jesus addresses the parable, we don’t want to get caught in the trap of believing that our sins are really not that bad. The truth is that “whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it” (James 2:10).

The saints were never complacent about their sins. In fact, they seemed always to be repenting. If that is true of them, what should our attitude be towards sin? On the other hand, the saints would also be the first to encourage us to rejoice in God’s mercy. They know there is no fault too big for God to forgive, and that when we confess even our deepest, darkest secrets, our Father is thrilled to forgive us, heal us, and set us free.

Like the father in the parable, God patiently waits for us to come to him. And when we do, he rushes to us with outstretched arms. It’s not a stiff, awkward reunion, but a passionate embrace! Though we feel unworthy of his love, we can expect the same response as the prodigal, who was reunited to his family just as if he were a king.

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. With a contrite heart, I admit that I have failed. Forgive me, Father, in your mercy. In your great love, welcome me again as one of your children.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the first reading, we see the Lord ceasing to provide manna, when the Israelites were able to produce their own grain. What do you believe is the message of this passage? How does it apply to way the Lord acts in your own life?

2.    The responsorial psalm invites us to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”. What steps might you take – through your prayer and reception of the Eucharist – to deepen your relationship with the Lord and “be radiant with joy”?

3.    In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of the change that comes over us through our relationship with Christ – in fact more than just a change, we become a wholly “new creation.” Do you believe this? Why or why not? In what ways does your life reflect the reality that you are a new creation in Christ? In what ways does it not? What can you do to make it a greater reality in your life?

4.    St. Paul tells us we are ambassadors of reconciliation. Mr. Ambassador, what practical steps can you take to reconcile yourself with others with whom you may have quarreled or harbor resentments or unforgiveness? What can you do to bring reconciliation to your family or to your parish?

5.    In the familiar Gospel story of the prodigal son, the younger brother demands what his fathers “owes” him and then leaves? What are the circumstances in your life that can cause you to value what God can do for you more than you value a relationship of love and intimacy with him?

6.    Have you ever gone through a “pigpen” experience? Share with others the moment when you came to your senses.

7.    In what areas of your life do you see attitudes like the older brother (lack of gratitude, lack of compassion)? What steps can you take to change this attitude?

8.    In the meditation, we hear these words, “Like the father in the parable, God patiently waits for us to come to him. And when we do, he rushes to us with outstretched arms.” Why can the “Parable of the Prodigal Son” also be called “The Parable of the Loving Father”? What steps can you take to be like the father of this parable? Take those steps and share the results at your next men’s group meeting.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen