Our God - love, loving
Saturday, March 7, 2026
For the second week in a row, this weekend’s Gospels (Saturday and Sunday) are both broaden our vision, move our hearts, and increase our hope.
Today’s Gospel (Saturday) includes the parable of the Prodigal Son. The context to this story, found in Luke, is as important as the story itself. The Pharisees were mocking Jesus again, saying “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Lk 15:2), breaking the rules of religious leaders. Jesus responds with three parables about love and life redeemed: the Lost Seep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. Click here to read today’s readings.
Tomorrow’s Gospel (Sunday) is a passage from John where Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. He breaks a laundry list of social, racial, and gender barriers by asking her, and she replies, “How can you, a Jew, as me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans (Jn 4:9). Click here to read Sunday’s readings.
It just never ceases to amaze me how readily Jesus tears down the conventional wisdom of the religious zealots. He consistently, time and time again, reminds them that love is the point, that mercy is freely given, that everyone is welcome, and that God doesn’t reluctantly forgive, God wants to forgive.
These are important messages for the Lenten season. Allow yourself to sit today with a loving God, a merciful God, a God who wants to forgive, and a God who considers you his own.