THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR C
Introduction
Today’s Gospel is the story of a loving father who had two sons. He continued to love them
despite their rebellious behaviour. So it is for us; God our loving Father is with us in our
darkness and our anger, seeking us out, and telling us ‘All I have is yours’.
Sentence
God has reconciled us to himself though Christ, and given us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5.16-21
or
While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his
arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15.21
Collect.
God of compassion, you are slow to anger, and full of mercy, welcoming sinners who return
to you with penitent hearts: receive in your loving embrace all who come home to you, and
seat them at your bountiful table, that, with all your children, they may feast with delight
on all that satisfies the hungry heart. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
Reading Introductions
Joshua 5:9-12. The book of Joshua tells the story of the conquest and settlement of Canaan by
the Israelite tribes under the leadership of Joshua. The first Passover in Canaan is celebrated.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21. Paul and the church in Corinth had periods of difficult relations, and Paul
felt the need to defend his apostolic authority. When relations improved, Paul wrote his second
letter expressing his joy.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. The parable of the prodigal son forms part of Jesus’ teaching on his way to
the final confrontation in Jerusalem. Note that the parable begins, “ A certain man had two sons”.
Year C- Lent 4
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ king of endless glory.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ king of endless glory
I will arise and go to my father and tell him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against
you.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ king of endless glory.
(Please note that the Alleluias are not used during the season of Lent and are replaced by the
above or similar responses.)
Post Communion Prayer:
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Saviour gave his back to the smiters and did not hide his face
from shame: give us grace to endure the sufferings of this present time with sure confidence in
the glory that shall be revealed: through Jesus Christ our Lord
.
The Blessing
Christ give you grace to grow in holiness, to deny yourselves, take up your cross, and follow
him; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you,
and remain with you always. Amen.
Copyright:
Introduction, This is the Gospel of the Lord, Francis J Moloney, St Paul Publications 1991
Collect, A Prayer Book for Australia, 1995
Reading Introductions, Ken Booth
Gospel Acclamation: The Sunday Missal, 1982
Post Communion Sentence, Church House Publishing 1997
Year C- Lent 4