Homily for Saturday of the 2nd Week of Lent

Forgiveness and reconciliation are at the core of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To be a true disciple of Jesus means to be dedicated to achieving unity of spirit even when we have differences and disagreements.

The work of reconciliation is not limited to a specific time or place, nor is it conditioned on any set of circumstances. It is not just offered to certain individuals or groups of people.

The work of forgiveness requires us to face our responsibility in hurting others, just like the Prodigal Son did. This often means putting aside our own agendas, desires, and desire for control. Sometimes, it even means setting aside our own hurts to focus on the goal of reconciliation and working towards it. It is not an easy journey, but it is what the Gospel calls us to do. We are called to balance reconciliation and healing, rather than seeking vengeance and punishment. This is the same difficult path that the father in today’s Gospel reading must walk between his two sons.

May we all dedicate ourselves to the work of reconciliation: forgiving without seeking revenge, humbly working to bring healing to those we have hurt, and restoring hope and dignity to those who have suffered at our hands.