The Prodigal Son

What do a prodigal son, a Belize beach revival, and Marian apparitions in Rwanda have in common? 

They all point us back to the mercy of the Father. This week on They That Hope, Deacon Bob Rice and Father Dave Pivonka reflect on powerful journeys of repentance, healing, and homecoming—from the Gospel of Luke to the real-life stories unfolding in mission fields and pilgrimage sites. 

Recording from opposite sides of the globe, the hosts reunite after two transformative trips. Deacon Bob shares about leading Franciscan University students on mission in Belize, where their joyful witness brought hope to a struggling culture. Father Dave recounts his pilgrimage to Rwanda with Immaculée Ilibagiza, diving deep into the Church-approved Marian apparitions at Kibeho and the painful echoes of genocide. 

Amid reflections on mercy and reconciliation, they also manage to squeeze in March Madness predictions, NBA tanking controversy, and a surprisingly heartfelt conversation about snorkeling (yes, snorkeling gets emotional too). From returning to God after hitting rock bottom to living out faith in a divided world, this episode is a moving invitation to come home to the Father—again and again. 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:00) Mission Trips, March Madness, and Podcasting from Abroad  Father Dave checks in from Austria while Deacon Bob broadcasts from Texas. They swap stories from their respective journeys: Bob’s evangelization trip to Belize and Father Dave’s pilgrimage to Rwanda. 

(02:33) March Madness Recap and Catholic Teams on the Court  The NCAA tournament is in full swing with top seeds like Duke, Houston, and Auburn advancing. The hosts recap St. Francis University’s epic underdog run and reflect on the faith and fumbles of Catholic teams. 

(07:59) NBA Tanking, Cooper Flagg, and Draft Day Drama  Deacon Bob breaks down the controversial strategy of “tanking” in the NBA, with teams vying for next year’s top pick: high school phenom Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, scrappy teams like the Warriors and Lakers keep playoff hopes alive. 

(10:20) Chastity, Witness, and the Joy of Mission in Belize  Deacon Bob shares how Franciscan students' witness to chastity made a profound impact in a culture where early sexual activity is the norm. Their week culminated in a powerful beach praise night that brought the town together. 

(17:03) Marian Apparitions and Forgiveness in Rwanda  Father Dave reflects on his powerful visit to Kibeho, site of the Church-approved Marian apparitions in Rwanda. He shares stories of healing, warnings of violence, and the radical forgiveness modeled by Immaculée Ilibagiza. 

(30:43) The Prodigal Son and the Mercy of the Father  This week’s Gospel reading prompts a deep discussion on God’s mercy, the danger of spiritual pride, and the invitation to love beyond mere obedience. The hosts explore how the older son’s struggle is often our own. 

 

Resources Mentioned 

• Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza 

• Our Lady of Kibeho – Church-approved Marian apparitions 

• Franciscan University Mission Trips 

• March Madness Bracket Updates 

• Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen 

 

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