As we hear again the parable of the prodigal son in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, this package of resources from our partner Catholic News Service invites us to ponder the lessons of the parable this week. See two stories and two videos exploring the theme of forgiveness.

Judge not, because we are all prodigal children
A permanent deacon tells of how difficult it is to go into the peripheries and minister without judgment to those who are not like us. But at a prison, he learned the power of forgiveness over fear.

(See a related video.)

Which of the prodigals are you, and how will your story end?
In his story of the forgiving father, Jesus invites us to identify with both sons, who both strayed from the father. Admitting we are sinners, as Pope Francis does, allows us to seek God’s mercy.

(See a related video.)