Fourth Sunday of Lent - Reflection by Canon Leslie

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, when the Gospel reading is Luke’s parable of the two sons. Chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel contains three interconnected narratives, concerning the one lost sheep (from a field of one hundred), the one lost coin (from a set of ten), and the one lost son (from a family of two). Each narrative concluded with invitation to celebrate because what was lost has been found. Yet there is an added twist to the narrative of the lost son, because his brother refused to join the celebration.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of homecoming. In today’s picture from his book, Hide and Seek, Teddy Horsley is delighted to have been found and to have been welcomed back home.  
Lord Jesus Christ, 
when we are lost, 
you welcome us back home with you. 
Inspire us to follow your example, 
and to welcome all who turn to you, 
for with you everyone is welcome, 
now and always. 
Amen. 

Next week, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading is John’s account of Jesus being anointed, prefiguring his death. The image to help us prepare for next week’s theme is cemetery. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.