Today’s readings beautifully capture the themes of renewal, reconciliation, and God’s boundless mercy.

In Joshua 5:9-12, God tells the Israelites, “Today I have rolled away the disgrace of Egypt from you.” After years of wandering, they enter the Promised Land and celebrate the Passover. The manna that sustained them in the desert ceases, as they now eat from the land’s abundance. This marks a transition from dependence on miracles to living in God’s fulfilled promise. It reminds us that God’s grace provides for us in different ways throughout life, always leading us forward.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul proclaims that “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” Our past sins do not define us; rather, in Christ, we are reconciled to God and called to be His ambassadors of reconciliation. Just as the Israelites left their past behind, we too are invited to embrace new life in Christ, sharing His mercy with others.

The Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) powerfully illustrates God’s love. The younger son squanders everything but is welcomed home with joy by his father. The older son struggles with jealousy, unable to understand such mercy. This parable challenges us: Are we ready to return to God, trusting in His forgiveness? Or are we like the older son, hesitant to extend that same mercy to others?

In this week of Lent, God calls us to return, be renewed, and share His mercy. No matter how far we have strayed, He stands ready to embrace us. Let us seek reconciliation with God and one another, so that we may truly live as new creations in Christ. The Father’s arms are always open. May we, like the prodigal son, rise and return to the love that awaits us. Amen.

Your Priest,

Fr. Charles Enyinnia