FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT, Third Scrutiny of the Elect
Also Read: Mass Readings for 03 April 2022 Mass Reading Reflection for 03 April 2022
The solo Sinner
To forgive is divine. A serious complaint against Jesus was that He forgave sins, and thus equated himself with God. Although He had all the authority to condemn her, He let her go free with a piece of solo advice, sin no more.
In the whole process, He reminds the gathering that she is not a solo sinner. No sinner is a solo sinner. She was caught in the act of adultery. Where was the ‘he’ who was part of the act?
Adultery is not the only sin that needs another person to complete the sinful act. Knowingly or unknowingly, we push many to sin. Take the millions of suggestive advertisements that drive many to carnal sins. Thieves are created by a society, which is not sensitive to hunger and basic needs; or by those who suggest greed is a virtue. Everyone has a share in the sins committed.
If we can be partners in sin, we can be partners in virtue as well. When we encourage to live a just, merciful and virtuous life we are becoming partners in virtue. When we live close to Jesus in His sacrifice, prayer, and justice we are becoming His partners. Be a partner with Christ. The best thing we can do this lent is to partner with Jesus and to separate from sin. And always look for partners of Christ to be our associates.
Forgiveness is a vital virtue and condition to pass the gates of Heaven. Jesus forgave because He is God. He gave us authority to forgive because He wanted us to be His partners. We are called to be partners of God! Simply amazing! Squandering a valuable gift is a crime. Jesus has given us the gift of forgiveness. It is a unique gift that is validated only when it is shared. Share forgiveness so that you are forgiven.
We are all sinners and we are all called to be saints. Jesus asks the lady to forget her past and move forward to holiness. St. Paul in his letter to the Philippines has precisely articulated it. Remember every sinner has a future and every saint has a past. Don’t let your past hold you back.
Freedom from your past is a wonderful gift Jesus is offering us on the cross. Be close to Jesus and be free from your past, build a better future for yourself and for the rest of the world. Every confession offers this chance. Every moment near Jesus offers you this opportunity. Whenever you open your Bible and read it to be nearer to Jesus your future is changed for the better, not just in this life but in the life to come.
We are already in the second half of the lent. Let us aces our lives once again if we are tied down by our sins of ourselves. Be at the foot of Jesus with the tears of repentance; obtain his forgiveness and let go of the past. And be merciful like Him and let forgiveness flow through you.
Amen.
