Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Peaceful dwelling places
Through the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus invites us to reflect on God’s unfailing love for His children. Although the son squandered his inheritance and became destitute, he was greeted with profound compassion after freely deciding to return home. This powerful example of God’s mercy is also a testament to the importance of family and home.
Though imperfect, our families and homes often provide a small glimpse of God’s loving nature. The Church recognizes home as “…a community of grace and prayer [and] a school of human virtues and of Christian charity” (Compendium of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, 1666). Pope Francis refers to home as a place where “love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs which make us feel at home.” For many, home provides the necessary care, structure and support needed to lead a dignified, meaningful life.
There are currently 68.5 million people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. Whether due to war, political unrest, persecution or environmental challenges, millions of families around the world have been uprooted or separated. It’s hard for us to imagine being forced to leave behind everything – our families, communities, language and culture – knowing that we may never see them again.
The Lord promises that “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 32:18). Scripture makes it clear that the family unit, and the homes we dwell in, are integral to a well functioning society. When you Share the Journey this Lenten season, you stand in solidarity with those around the world seeking peaceful dwelling, security and a place to rest.
Visit our Share Lent 2019 webpage and watch this animated video to reflect on forced displacement and Share the Journey with forced migrants.
New for our 2019 Share Lent campaign, we are offering six weekly reflections that connect the proposed Gospel readings for the Sunday liturgy with our campaign theme. They will be published every Monday on our website or are accessible in the Resources section. Share the Journey with us!
Get your pencils ready!
For families with young children, we invite you to discover the weekly Gospel reflections of the 2019 Family Bulletin. Each reflection is accompanied by an illustration. Click on the image to download the illustration and reflection for this Sunday.
