Saturday 2nd week of Lent
"Lk 15:1-3, 11-32"
"There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine ... But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him..."
There is common agreement that this is one of the most beautiful parables told by Our Lord. Because not all of us are always moved by seed, darnel, fish, leaven, fig trees, good soil or lost sheep... But all of us are moved by this father, all of us have been at times - and still are - prodigal sons. Are you not moved by the last line of today's Gospel quote?
Jacques Fesch (1930 – 1957) was a young French lad who gave up a position at his father's bank and left his wife and their daughter to live the life of a playboy. Disillusioned with his life, he decided to rob a money changer of his gold coins. During the escape he killed a police officer; he was arrested and condemned to death by guillotine. At first Fesch was indifferent and mocked his lawyer's Catholic faith. However, after a year in prison he experienced a profound conversion and bitterly regretted his crime. He asked for forgiveness and started to pray, attend Mass and go regularly to Confession as well as help his mates get close to God. He kept a spiritual journal. His last journal entry was "In five hours, I will see Jesus!" When his journal was published after his death he became an inspiration to many. His process of beatification is now open. He was an example of repentance and redemption. It's never too late to come back to God! Holy Mary, our Hope, Refuge of sinners, pray for us who are so much in need of conversion.
