Through Lent with Pope Francis
In the parables devoted to mercy, Jesus reveals the nature of God as that of a Father who never gives up until he has forgiven the wrong and overcome rejection with compassion and mercy. We know these parables well, three in particular: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the father with two sons (cf. Lk 15:1-32). In these parables, God is always presented as full of joy, especially when he pardons. In them we find the core of the Gospel and of our faith, because mercy is presented as a force that overcomes everything, filling the heart with love and bringing consolation through pardon.
Misericordiae Vultus 9
Scripture
Luke 15:1-7 NCB
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all crowding around to listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Therefore, Jesus told them this parable:
“Which one of you, if you have a hundred sheep and lose one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he does find it, he lays it on his shoulders joyfully. Then, when he returns home, he calls together his friends and neighbours and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”
Thought for Today
It was the sinners who found Jesus’ message a liberation, not the good law-abiding folk. How could our hearts not go out to the repentant younger son in today’s picture?
Looking back on your own life, does God, our heavenly Father have much to forgive?
Whatever you may have done wrong, he is ready and waiting to forgive you.
Music
Amazing Grace by Dan Vasc