1st Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
2nd Reading: Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel: John 8: 1-11
Homily: Jesus Rivera (paraphrased from notes taken)
Imagine Something New! Our first reading bids us to “Forget the events of the past, ignore the things of long ago! Look, I am doing something new!” How can we do this? You’re telling us to let go of the things that are dear to us. The first reading was dear to the Jewish community, it reminded them of their former oppression and subsequent exodus from Egypt. But while God smote the Egyptians, God tells the community not to dwell on their escape. They are instead called to celebrate their freedom. Something new is being created.
In our second reading, Paul proclaims, “I consider everything a loss in light of the surpassing knowledge of my Savior Jesus Christ, for whose sake I have forfeited everything. I count everything else as garbage…” Whatever he formerly considered wealth is now rubbish in his eyes, only “Christ may be my wealth.”
In today’s Gospel, the accused woman is to be stoned according to the Law of Moses. When Jesus is asked by the religious scholars and Pharisees, “What do you say about it (the punishment)?” – he knows he is being set up. Jesus is silent.
Jesus simply bent down and started tracing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in their questioning, Jesus straightened up and said to them, “Let the person among you who is without sin throw the first stone at her.” Then he bent down again and wrote on the ground.
Instead of attacking the scholars and Pharisees or defending the woman, Jesus does something new. What a beautiful way to relate to those who would bring us down. Jesus lets us know the woman is a daughter of God, one in need of love and the fullness of life (not death).
As we continue our Lenten journey, let me offer this idea. Lent invites us to let go of control, of the need to attack. It is a time to let go, to surrender, to be one with God, to look to God for guidance. It is important to remember we are one with Love and one with God. God wants this too, for us to be one with God, to be with God.
Someone gave me a new insight into the parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus’ humanity is like the parent in the parable – welcoming back the wayward offspring. Jesus is telling us God doesn’t expel us from the Garden of Eden even when we make mistakes. We are welcomed home with a robe, a ring, sandals, and a feast. God and we are one. Amen.
Meditation: Prayer of Pope Francis
God, Parent of all, all cultures and all origins,
Look at our world separated by borders, torn by wars,
Disfigured by hunger and injustice, divided by our fears and prejudices,
So many migrants roam in search of a better future.
In Jesus Christ, you have come to reveal humanity,
you have sown friendship and trust in our hearts.
You showed us the way of sharing and meeting.
You opened our eyes to recognize our brothers and sisters.
Fill us with your Spirit so that we live like your children,
United in the diversity of our cultures.
May your kingdom come, reign in peace, justice and community
For all the peoples of the earth.
AMEN