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The parable of the prodigal son brings out even more clearly the free choice of God. This time his choice falls on one who is least worthy of it. The prodigal son of the parable is a figure representing us. We are the real prodigal sons whom God has forgiven and brought back into his love and made heirs of the messianic promises. We do not know why we were chosen. If God is so good to forgive our past, call us to salvation and make us recipients of the heritage of his kingdom, it is important that we return to him with a truly contrite heart, and never wander back to the path of sin. How well the Eucharistic celebration today expresses our sentiment of gratitude for the pardon and salvation he sends us through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. --St. Andrew Bible Missal

Today's first reading and Gospel draw a parallel between Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers and Jesus, the well-beloved Son of the Father, put to death by the religious leaders of the Jews. Together with the prediction of the passion there is here the condemnation of the wicked servants of God whose proud infidelity is set in opposition to His providential plans.

The thought expressed in today's first reading in Jeremias is one of the basic themes of the great prophets; it is to be found also in the Psalms (particularly Ps 1) and the book of Proverbs. Trust in men and trust in God--the former belies our expectations and only the latter assures our happiness and enables us to "bring forth good fruit."

The Gospel reminds us of the necessity of sharing in the sufferings of Christ, to "drink of His chalice" in order to share also in His glory in His kingdom. Linked with the foretelling of the passion is the important teaching of self-denial for the service and salvation of others; it is here put before us in urgent fashion.

Jesus' condemnation of religious externalism, hypocrisy and vanity is not meant to correct only the Pharisees of his time. It is also directed at us. We should look into our Lenten practices of piety and works of charity and see whether they are tainted with hypocrisy. During the celebration that follows, Christ, the servant of Yahweh, will increase in us the spirit of human service.