MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT
Repent!
The Word: "Neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again.” (John 8:11).
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: I R.: Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 23
Verse before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33:11
Gospel: John 8:1-11
Inspiration: The story of the prodigal son gives a detailed understanding of what repentance is all about (cf. Luke15:17-18). This young man was a reformed spendthrift according to the gospel narrative who along the line made a change of his life style and went back home. The similar scenario is what we found in today’s gospel pericope which is opposite of the event of the first reading. In the first reading we listened to the trial of Susanna, the false accusation by the two elders and God’s vindication through the young lad – Daniel (cf. Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62). While the gospel narrative presents us with the familiar story of the woman caught in adultery, her accusers and our Lord as the judge (cf. John 8:1-11).
The duo events are invitations, while the characters in the first reading were incorrigible in their sinfulness, the woman in the gospel was redeemable when Christ gave her the opportunity: "Neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again.” (John 8:11). The former had similar opportunity at the first instance, but they were bend on satisfying their cravings.
Beloved in Christ, how often do we abuse the opportunity offered us to return to Jesus? In our day-to-day living experience do we really seek to see Jesus as some Greeks did in their encounter with Philip and Andrew: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (John 12:20)
Indeed, we really need to see Jesus; to see Him requires a disengagement to engage, stripping-off of the old self and put on a new self as enshrined in the gospel.
However, God is always at work waiting for our return, through exhortations from the prophets and teachers. As Prophet Joel says: “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger; and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:12-13).
Finally, as we keep on journeying with the Church liturgically and spiritually, we are obliged to be conscious of our sins and make haste to see Jesus in the sacramental confession; as God says in today’s gospel acclamation: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he return from his way and live.” (Ezekiel 33:11). May these words we pray be manifested in our lives through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“Repentance is a contract with God for a second life.”
- St. John Chrysostom
Let us pray
Set us free from our sins, O Lord, we pray as we call upon you, that living a holy way of life, we may be kept safe from every trial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 18032024
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