FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

(Isaiah 43:16-21; Ps 126(125); Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11)

Theme: Return and Behold the Mercy of God

            We are called today to behold the mercy of the Lord, embody His power of conciliation, heed His Spirit of emancipation, and draw strength from His unending promises given to those who are returning to Him, those who have given and contemplate giving their hearts to Him, and those who strive to be like Christ and to be found in Him.

            Today’s Psalmist says our mouths will be filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy, and our tearful sowing will be reaped with songs of praise.  Thus, let us behold our Father, who has made it known through Christ, who secured our propitiation on the cross, that He wants us to be vivified in Christ.

            Therefore, we must continue to pursue true conciliationand share its benefits, for our Lord Jesus has createda path through the cross where none seemed possible.  The Pharisees obstructed the flow of mercy toward the woman caught in adultery, but our Lord Jesus opened the way.  Thus, amid our busy lives, the burden of paying bills, the pains caused by selfish leaders, and the confusion brought about by life’s twists and turns, the Lord has promised to guide us.

            Like our Lord Jesus, who stripped Himself – not of the Godhead but of His glory – taking on human nature for our salvation, St. Paul encourages us in today’s second reading to let go of the things that prevent us from accepting the surpassing knowledge ofknowing our Lord.

            In fact, for the immense value of granting us mercy and restoring us to grace, He paid the ultimate price for our emancipation. In other words, for a brief moment, for our sake, He did not think of His equality with God as something to cling to; He faithfully and powerfully took on the form of a slave, hence, offering us an opportunity to start all over, to become children of God, and learn from our past mistakes.

            Thus, that is the great deed the Lord accomplished forus, for which we must offer not a holocaust or sacrifice, but an open ear and a repentant heart, for the Lord delights more in obedience to His voice and in assisting those who are sowing in tears around us.  Like the woman in today’s Gospel, let us approach the Lord in silence, praising, adoring, blessing, and upholding the Lord’s Name.  We must also create opportunities for others to attain happiness and peace in this world.