The Prodigal Son gospel reading always provokes a lot of reflection. We all know the story but different parts of it speak to us individually. The father in the story is the personification of what Pope Francis is asking us to do during the Year of Mercy. The father not only loves his two sons but he provides for them and (most importantly) forgives and welcomes them back into his heart even after they have hurt him. The father's mercy to both of his sons provides us with a solid model for building a life based on mercy to others. Now some folks really identify with the younger brother who takes his inheritance early and strikes out on his own. Ending up working in a pig sty is not the life he would have chosen and the metaphor is not lost on us. When we wallow in sin, our lives become like the wayward son, disgusting, depressing, and directionless. But God is there with outstretched arms to welcome us back to the fold. Not only that, but God will meet us right where we are. That is a comforting promise. Praying that your Lenten journey is bringing you closer to God our Father.