Monday 23rd March – Monday of the 5th week of Lent

Reflection: John 8: 1-11

LOOK INWARDS!

Does it not surprise you that the greatest opposition Jesus had during his earthly ministry was from the Jewish religious leaders? They were not spared either as Christ openly criticized them. Though they claimed strict observance of the Law of Moses, their pride, outward display of righteousness, hypocrisy and lack of love and mercy had blinded them from understanding the love and mercy of God.

Are we much different from the Pharisees? Don’t we who claim to be good Christians and Catholics look down with disdain on other young people around us who do not live upright lives? Are we not quick to pass judgment on our peers who engage in sexual immorality, drug abuse, exam malpractice, lying, stealing etc? Christ tells us in today’s reading to look inwards. While he does not condone or make excuses for sin, He loves the sinner deeply and is interested not in passing judgment but in arousing repentance.

Dear friend, you are whatever you are because God has shown you mercy. The Psalmist says: “If you oh Lord should mark our guilt; Lord, who will stand?” (Psalm 130: 2). Look into your life and see the areas in which you too need transformation and as you see those who live in sin, extend the mercy God has shown you to them by praying for their conversion and seek loving ways to evangelize them. Through this you will not only please God, but experience the grace of ongoing conversion too.

PRAYER: Lord, please forgive me for the many times I have passed judgment on others. Help me to seek your mercy more and more and extend this mercy to others. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FATH: CCC 982 – There is no offense however serious, that the Church cannot forgive. “There is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest.” Christ…desires that in his Church the gates of forgiveness should always be open to anyone who turns away from sin.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Do not judge and you will not be judged” Matthew 7:1 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Daniel 13: 41 -62; Psalm 23: 1-6; John 8: 1-11