Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the 4th Sunday of Lent, March 30, 2025

Delivered by the Vocationist Sisters in Labuan Bajo and Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Joshua 5: 9a.10-12; Rs psalm 34: 2-3.4-5.6-7; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; Luke 15: 1-3.11-32RETURN The theme for our meditation on the 4thSunday of Lent is: Return. We reflect on our "return" here to remindus that the solemnity of Easter is approaching. We are increasingly feeling theexcitement and warmth of the Great Celebration for all of us. So our"return" is not for a setback, a failure, and to a sinful life in thepast. For one reason or another, we as humans have fallenand became far from God. In spiritual understanding, sin, alienation and errorhave made us distant. So the call to return to the right, the way of God, andthe shade of His love becomes very important in our faith. This time is ourchance to be called back. God is the main caller for us to return from our sinand alienation in our lives. He had great compassion for Adam and Eve, David,Peter, Saul, Mary Magdalene and every one of us who are tormented withsuffering by the sins that befall us. He awaits us in the church, through thesacraments and the word proclaimed, in devotions, and through the service oflove, so that we may return to Him. Listening to His call leads us to beaccepted, forgiven, and recognized again as His beloved children.  The people who are in charge of us, also call us. Theyare our parents, guides, educators, leaders, or our fellow brothers and sisters.Joshua was the leader and brother who called his neighbors to come to God'sfulfilled promises. Parents call us to return to serve and accompany them andthe homeland our basic and original treasure. Church and state leaders arecalling for us to rejoin in constructive and transformative church andstate-building activities. And many other calls, wanting us to return to a decentand correct life. The next turn to call is ourselves. The call of ourown conscience is very important. When we realize that we have already beenimmersed in things that are not important, superficial, or mere pleasures, weshould listen to the call of our conscience. He must have said the opposite,which is to call us to the beauty, the goodness and the truth.  The three sources of subject that call us: God, thosewho are responsible for us, and our own conscience are great forces that pullus, so that we cannot avoid it, but obey to return at the right time and place.Today is the right time for us to return.Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O heavenly Father,may this Sunday worship strengthen us to return to You with joy. We want to beYour sons and daughters as we always are. Hail Mary... In the name of theFather ...