“Thus says the Lord … Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” (Isaiah 43:16,18-19)
Reflections on the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 3, 2022): IS 43:16-21; PS 126:1-2, 2-3,4-5,6; PHIL 3:8-14; JN 8:1-11
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
God’s mercy also shines through the reading from St. Paul to the young Christian community in Philippi.
Each reading for this Sunday reminds us of the depth and breadth of God’s mercy -- far beyond anything we human beings can truly comprehend. In the Gospel, we have the memorable and moving story of the woman who was apprehended in the act of adultery. We may wonder about the circumstances that lead to the scribes and Pharisees bringing this woman to Jesus, however her guilt is not in question. And clearly, neither is the guilt of these men. Christ makes them face their own sinfulness. Moreover, He also keeps these religious leaders who were so anxious to stone her from becoming her killers, however justified they think they are. Our Redeemer forgives the woman and sends her on her way. His mercy provides her with hope and the opportunity for a future far different from her past.
God’s mercy also shines through the reading from St. Paul to the young Christian community in Philippi. In his earlier life, Paul was himself a zealous Pharisee. He had sought the arrest and death of those who followed Jesus. But after his encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, everything changed. Here, Paul shares his joy in Him and his belief that life matters only in relationship with Christ. Paul is eager for people to share his deep love for our Savior and to commit themselves to Him. He also asks them to willingly accept the hardship and suffering that may come in living their faith because it will draw them closer to Jesus “It is not that I have already … attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. … Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). Unlike the Pharisees and scribes in today’s Gospel, Paul welcomed the gift of faith, repented his sins and allowed the compassion of Christ to transform his life. Let us welcome the gift of contrition and conversion of spirit.
Suggested missionary action: During these final days of Lent, we can make an effort to focus on God’s mercy. We can thank Him for His generous blessings by finding new ways to share them with others. Every day we have wonderful chances to spread His goodness and mercy to those we know and to strangers along the way. We have only to open our eyes -- and our hearts.
