Saturday March 6, 2021 - Second week of Lent - I will get up, I will go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 15, 1 -3. 11-32

Lent invites us to discover the true image of God the Father. Everyone tries to interpret the image of God the Father through works of art, movies, lectures, but let us focus on the image the gospel offers us. The two sons try to give their own versions:

The minor son believes that God the Father is a demanding, tyrannical, controlling, super-protective father; selfish, with whom it is impossible to live together so you have to move away from him to live true freedom: "Father, give me the part of the good that should come back to me". While the adult son thinks his father is his boss: "I have served you for so many years without ever disobeying your orders"; He is an unfair and careless father: "But when your son here came back after devouring your property with prostitutes, you had the fattened calf killed for him."

But does all of this describe the true image of God the Father? Certainly not, He is totally different when we follow the evolution of history in the Gospel itself.

In the Gospel, He is merciful. He expressed his mercy with meaningful gestures and words. By his actions, the minor son feels protected, he feels loved. All the verbs used before He intervened express his tenderness: "As he was still far away, his Father saw him" and "was taken with pity on him"; "he ran" ; "fell on his neck" and "covered him with kisses". These are actions of someone who has suffered from a long separation. His words are touching, without condemnation or accusation, but full of affection. These are the words of someone who is ready to forget the evil: "Quick, bring the most beautiful dress, and dress him; put a ring on his finger, sandals on his feet." His words are full of joy: "let's eat and feast". He invites the adult son to rejoice in the return, the conversion of his younger brother.

By discovering the merciful image of God, we will make a journey of penance and reconciliation through prayer, alms, confession and fasting. Let us show our joy when our neighbors are converted, so we will be truly children of God.