The practical spirituality and ministry implied in the I Corinthians 5 reading is too much to pass up; the gospel story of the prodigal son provides a concrete example of what Paul is talking about for the Church. Reconciliation shows itself in the qualities of justice, joy, thanksgiving, humility, and wisdom. The joy in this Laetare Sunday is the joy of coming home, as in the first reading, the joy of finally being heard and answered, the joy of reunion with God, and the joy of family at peace.
Lent 4 C Lectionary Catechesis
