Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Fourth Sunday of Lent 31 March 2019
Today’s passage of the gospel is about two young men, but which one could be our role model ?? The idle sinful one who gets into bed with everyone , but cannot love sincerely anybody or the stale , pharisee like elder brother who is incapable to love his brother but mechanically keeps the commandments ? The one squandering all, or the sour puss who cannot be happy with anything ?For me neither of these young man’s way is the right one ! But how great it is that there is a third way !
In the Holy Scriptures there is a third son as well , the most beautiful gift of the Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ : 6 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3,16. I would like to place this Son , Jesus Christ as a role model in front of us !! During the coming nine weeks , till the Day of the Child , till we are waiting for the visit of Pope Francis to Csíksomlyó , during the time of preparation may our Master , Teacher be the Christ Child !
With love ,
Father Csaba
translated by dr k.e.
The Word of God
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable:
‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up 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 like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.
‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’
Luke 15:1-3, 11-14; 17-28; 31-32
Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Fourth Sunday of Lent 31 March 2019 