Lent is not merely a season of sacrifice; it is a season of return. On this fourth day of our Lenten journey, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on the loving invitation of God the Father an invitation to come back home, no matter how far we have wandered.
The image that beautifully captures this message is found in the parable of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Gospel of Luke (Luke 15:11–32). In this powerful story, a son leaves his father’s house, wastes his inheritance, and finds himself broken and empty. Yet when he decides to return, he does not encounter rejection. Instead, he is welcomed with open arms, clothed with dignity, and restored to sonship.
This parable is not simply about a rebellious son; it is about a compassionate Father. Lent reminds us that sin may distance us from God, but it never destroys His love for us. The Father is always waiting. He watches the horizon of our lives, longing for the moment we decide to turn back.
Many of us carry guilt, regret, or spiritual fatigue. We may feel unworthy to approach God. But Day 4 of Lent calls us to remember: God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes. The Father does not demand perfection before embracing us; He embraces us so that we may begin again.
Returning to the father requires humility. It means acknowledging our failures and taking responsibility for our actions. It may involve seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation, restoring broken relationships, or letting go of pride. True repentance is not just sorrow it is movement. It is a decision to rise and go back home.
The beauty of this return is restoration. The Father in the parable gives the son a robe, a ring, and sandals symbols of dignity, authority, and belonging. Likewise, when we return to God, He restores our identity as His beloved children.
As we continue this Lenten journey, let today be a turning point. If there is any area of your life where you have drifted from God, take a step back toward Him. Pray with honesty. Seek forgiveness. Trust in His mercy.
The Father’s embrace is not conditional it is constant.
On this Day 4 of Lent, let us rise, return, and rest in the loving arms of our Father.