“The story of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates the themes of renewal and conversion”
The Gospel of Laetere Sunday celebrates the joy of the prodigal son’s return, symbolizing God’s boundless forgiveness. It also invites us to avoid self-righteousness, as seen in the elder brother’s reaction, and instead emulate the humility and repentance of the younger son.
As a community of sinners, we are called to seek God’s mercy, experience His presence in the Eucharist, and extend forgiveness and peace to one another.
The story of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates the themes of renewal and conversion.
The younger son begins by straying from his father’s guidance, squandering his inheritance, and facing the depths of despair. In his moment of realization, he chooses repentance, returning humbly to his father with a contrite heart.
This act of turning back is the essence of conversion—a profound change in direction toward love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Come to think of it – we as a nation, despite its myriad of problems and weaknesses, is still very fortunate.
Who would have thought that the victims of the war against drugs, and their families, would get some measure of justice?
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court is indeed another opportunity to renew ourselves.
For many, it represents a cathartic moment—a release of pent-up frustration and a step toward accountability for the alleged human rights violations during his administration’s war on drugs.
For unrepentant supporters of EJKs and Duterte’s enablers, the former president’s arrest may serve as a wake-up call, urging reflection on God’s call for renewal.
For enablers of the massacre of the poor, it highlights their complicity and a reminder that no one is above the law.
For the judgmental among us, and there are many on both sides of this issue, let us learn the lesson from the older son who was envious of his brother.
We are reminded that justice and mercy are two aspects of the same reality of God’s love.
It is possible to seek justice and accountability without being overwhelmed by hate.
Moving forward, let us not repeat the mistakes of the failed Duterte regime. Let us also recall the 1986 Edsa Revolution when, we failed miserably to grab the opportunity to truly transform the nation and make it more peaceful, just, and equal.
If we do not convert like the prodigal children we are, we will repeat the mistakes of our history. Worst, a Duterte, Marcos Sr., or someone worse could come to power again.
We are children of a prodigal country.
But we have a Father who gives us many chances, definitely not a Tatay Digong who said he killed many because he loved our country.
We have a faithful God who never abandons, always willing to forgive those who ask for His mercy.
When I look at everything happening in the world, I can say that the Philippines is actually in a good spot, better than many other countries.
We went through the worst of times with Duterte, now we can go back to nation building even as we still have to combat disinformation, social injustice, and persistent human rights violations.
When I look at the future of our politics, I see a lot of hope in many of our young politicians like Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Gabriela’s Sarah Elago, and Kabataan’s Renee Co.
Like Vico, there are local government officials like Mayors Joy Belmonte of Quezon City and Benjie Magalong of Baguio as well as Caloocan Vice-mayor Karina Teh who are running for their last terms and might be engaged in national politics starting 2028.
Leni Robredo is running for mayor of Naga and her expected victory will surely be a bright spot in May.
Many good people from social movements and with proven records – my law partner Kaloi Zarate among others – running for the Senate and the partylist election.
This includes Leila De Lima of Mamayang Liberal and Chel Diokno of Akbayan for the House of Representatives and the Makabayan candidates, Luke Espiritu, Leody De Guzman, Heidi Mendoza, Robert Ballon, and of course Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan for the Senate.
We must not squander the opportunity for renewal this election presents us.
Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: tonylavs X and Bluesky: tonylavs