The Parable of the Prodigal Son invites us to reach out in mercy and forgiveness to others, and also to come in and celebrate whenever those we might be inclined to avoid accept the mercy, forgiveness and unconditional love of God which we sometimes take for granted, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

If we heed the call of Lent to change our hearts (not just our actions), to allow ourselves to be transformed by the hope that God offers us, we will not stave off the chaos of suffering and death but open ourselves to the one who can nurture us, to the gardener who wants to bring us to blossom. We are the fig tree of the parable, given yet another chance to realise our productive potential, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

The story of the Transfiguration, shows us that from time to time, we get a glimpse of the glory to come, but along the way we have to learn to shed whatever it is that holds us back, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

When we find ourselves struggling with our faith and trust in God, we might get some consolation and comfort from knowing that Jesus has been there before us, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

We reveal who we are by what we say and do consistently. We can all say and do the wrong thing occasionally. We don’t need anyone else to tell us that. It’s the consistency of our word and action that truly reveals our integrity or its lack, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.