We Want You Back

"At a music festival, a 15-year-old became separated from his family. The family went to the police on duty to report their teenager missing. The officer assured them that they would do their best to find him. Then he asked for a description. Their nine-year-old son quickly spoke up, 'He's tall, really good at sports, takes me to see movies, lets me borrow all his toys and stuff, and likes to buy me ice cream.' Perplexed, his father interrupted, 'But, son, that doesn't sound like your brother at all.' The nine-year-old smile mischievously and replied, "I know, but who wants him back?'" (Connections, First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, 2012). When I read that story I knew I would use it for homily material. It is an appropriate story for the beginning of Lent because God's wants us to come back to Him. God, like the prodigal son's father, always wants us back because His love, mercy, and forgiveness is unconditional. For us as Catholics, we have the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation, and that is our way to be reconciled with God and with one another. Also, in terms of the New Evangelizaton, we want our inactive brothers and sisters to come back to the Church. This is a wonderful time to seek that healing and reconciliation. We have all been hurt but we cannot let that keep us away from the Church, the Sacraments, and our very relationship with Christ himself. God and the Church want YOU back this Lent and beyond. Like that famous church sign reads, "What is missing... CH CH?" "UR!" Have a blessed weekend!!!