The hour comes when the prodigal son becomes our own daughter or son. The hour comes when we’re called to cross the street to be the Good Samaritan to someone left broken in a ditch. Is the hour near in your home — or in your heart?

“May the words of your Gospel, O Lord, lead us to realize your love in the midst of our days,” says Father Jerry in today’s homily, “Help us to see our lives and our world through the light of Easter grace, that we may take up our crosses with hope, that we can be a means of healing, that our grief and mourning may help us to bring consolation to others, that our taking on your work of mercy and reconciliation may bring your peace and joy to our homes and hearts.”