This Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, calls us to rejoice – not because Lent is over, but because Easter draws near and God’s mercy is already at work.

Fr. John Vedanayagam reminds us through the Gospel of Luke 15 – the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son – that no matter how far we stray, God the Father runs to embrace us. Whether we’re like the younger son who wandered or the older son who judged, the Father’s love remains steadfast, lavish, and restoring.