Receive the Power of God's Mercy

04-03-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all. We are getting close to the paschal feast. So, on this fifth Sunday of Lent, all the readings give us hope, and paint a picture of a very bright future for us.

In the first reading, God tells us of the new things he has started doing among us, and for us. He is restoring our hope, and giving us every reason to continue living. This means that in spite of the difficulties of this present moment and season, the Lord will put a smile on our faces soon. Hence, we must be positive about the future as we approach the Paschal celebration.

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees brought an adulterous woman to Christ. They thought that Christ will condemn her immediately and. They thought he will give them the permission to go ahead and stone the woman to death. However, they were wrong, because Christ came to save and not to condemn. They were wrong because, the ways and thoughts of Christ are different from theirs. So, instead of condemning her, Jesus restored her life, and offered her a new chance to live. He simply told her: “Go and sin no more.”

Jesus shows His loving kindness to this woman. The mercy of God does not condone sin but rather compassionately recognizes repentance and grants forgiveness. The experience of Christ’s love provides an opportunity to move forward in a renewed life of holiness. No matter how much we may stumble and fall, He is always there, inviting us to be with Him, renewing us, urging us to begin again.

Our Christian life is about meeting Jesus every day and knowing that His love for us is ever new. Life in Christ gives us strength to overcome difficulties that come into our lives. This Lententide is not about being perfect. Rather, it is about learning to follow the Lord Jesus as best we can, always relying on His love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness.

Have a happy and Blessed Sunday.