Sunday, April 3rd
Scripture
Is 43: 16-21
Ps 126: 1-6
Phil 3: 8-14
Jn 8: 1-11
Reflection
I am doing something new! Do you not perceive it? Is 43:19
There is so much joy in the readings for this Sunday that I need to remind myself that it is the 5th Sunday of Lent. We are 12 days from Good Friday. One might expect the readings to be more somber. But never separate Good Friday from Easter Sunday. The days ahead will recount the suffering but there is a pulse of the positive throughout today’s Scripture. Isaiah says, “I am doing something new! Do you not perceive it?“ Throughout the psalm we are dreaming, laughing, and rejoicing because the Lord has done great things for us. Paul speaks for all of us when he says, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.“ Immorality appears to be the topic in the Gospel reading from John. Instead, it is a challenge between law and love. Jesus does not condemn. For teaching the way of forgiveness and compassion he will die, yet save us all.
Prayer
Teach me your ways, O God, keep me on your path of compassion instead of judgment.
Give me a kind heart ready to show mercy and care for your people and all your creation.
Open the hearts of those around me to see the goodness in every person. Amen
Personal Challenge
Try to suspend judgment today on those political or church leaders with whom you disagree.
Sister Marianne Race, CSJ
Brookfield, IL
