Happy Gaudate Sunday. Today we will reflect on the joy of repentance.
Luke 15 contains 3 parables. All three show the joy of being reunited with what was lost. It is fitting that day 15 of our advent gospel study lands on Gaudate Sunday when we sing “Gaudete in Domino Semper! — Rejoice in the Lord always; Again I say rejoice! The Lord is near” (Antiphon for the third Sunday of Advent).
Rejoicing in What Is Found
Many of us know the parable of the lost sheep. The point is doubled when a woman rejoices even over a lost coin. Anyone who has lost something that is important to them can relate to the relief and almost peace when it is found.
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
I used to hear this and think about the people who are righteous. I figured they are happy already having their reward. After all, it’s heaven.
When I read this now though, I am seeing it from a different angle. I see this as more of a call to repentance to everyone. Everyone is called to be the repentant sinner at some point.
Reconciliation is a sacrament that we all partake in. Even Saints had their confessors. St. Paul tells us “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
“I am a repentant sinner” may not sound like the most joyful thing to say. Yet, think of the Joy of repentance. Think of the peace and joy it will bring when, being forgiven, we are cleansed enough to enter the Heavenly Banquet.
Joy of Repentance in the Prodigal Son
The story of the prodigal son follows these first two parables.
The younger son asks for his inheritance, rejecting his father. He spent everything. He was ruined, but his helpless state is what opened his eyes. Though it was spent on debauchery rather than helping anybody, at least he had finally given all of his money away.
His reckless sinfulness had one benefit. It put him at the point of having nothing left but himself to offer. The cost of discipleship.
Finally, he realized that he need repentance.
The Father’s Forgiveness
The father who loves him, doesn’t chase down his son. Unlike the innocence of the lost sheep, the son left intentionally. He made a choice to leave. So rather than going and dragging him back, the father allows him to realize his need to come home and repent.
The loving father instead is anticipating and longing for this return. He kept his eyes out for signs of his son’s return. Then, once he sees him on the horizon, he then can go to him and bring him back.
So if we show any signs of repentance and desire to be with the Father, he can make up for the distance that we cannot make on our own. Gods love can overcome our shortcomings, but we have free will and must head towards his house. Then he can meet us.
Sometimes it can be tough to enter the confession line. We might try to talk ourselves out of it, yet that’s one way we offer our whole self.
The Faithful Son
To end the story, we hear about the old mer son. He too was welcome in the house already, but out of envy walked out.
“But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him”
Luke 15:28
Luckily, he stays close enough at least for the Father to come talk to him. The father reaches out to him and explains his joy at the younger son being found. And that is where the parable ends.
If we are the older sibling, we have a choice to make. Do we act out of envy and leave our eternal home because God loves others? Or do we humble ourselves and enter the house but position ourselves in the lowest place, that we may be elevated to where we belong (see our reflection on Luke 14).
Gaudate Sunday
Today, Gaudate Sunday, we rejoice for Christ is coming soon. We can have joy in repentance, as well as hope that the Father will provide peace once we return or are found.
To follow along with these readings, you can find recent posts at Formed by a Flame.
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