A Moment To Pause: Lent - Saturday March 7th 2026 #dailyprayer #lent #thomasaquinas

Good morning and thank you for joining all of the Oblate Family today for our time of reflection and prayer during Lent with Padraig Corcoran, Director of Oblate Youth Ministry for today's short 90 second podcast. Today is the very well-known parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus Christ tells the story of a father and his two sons. The younger son leaves home, wastes his inheritance, and eventually returns in shame. Yet instead of rejection, the father runs to meet him with compassion and joy. The heart of the story is not the son’s failure, but the father’s mercy. The parable reminds us that no matter how far we wander, God’s love always waits to welcome us back. It also challenges us through the reaction of the older brother, who struggles to accept the father’s generosity. Sometimes it is easier to understand forgiveness than to rejoice in it. Thomas Aquinas who died on this date in 1274 once reflected that mercy is the greatest expression of God’s power. For Aquinas, God’s greatness is most clearly shown not in punishment, but in forgiveness and compassion. This Gospel reveals that truth beautifully: the father’s mercy restores what was lost and brings new life to the family. God does not wait for perfection — He waits for our return. And when we come back, even with empty hands, we are met with open arms. ✔ Subscribe for daily prayer with the Oblate family. ✔ Comment your prayer intention. ✔ Share this with your parish, family, or prayer group. #dailyprayer #lent #thomasaquinas #bible #podcast #faith #reel #short #foryou #mercy #forgiveness #prodigalson