March 20-21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11
Without fail the news is regularly speckled with stories of the sexual indiscretions of some ‘public person.’ Sports icons, politicians on both sides of the aisle, business men and women, teachers, clergy/ministers, the moral lapses of the presumably bright and intelligent are loudly discussed at water coolers, on evening talk shows and in the scandal rags at the check-out counters. From a distance most people quickly move on from somebody else’s lurid news…but what of those for whom the indiscretions are personal and a dagger to the heart? What if it is YOUR spouse, YOUR family, YOUR sis or bro or friend or neighbor? Moving on becomes harder the closer the ‘scandal.’
Forgiveness, while so conveniently thrown around by those who morally pontificate, is not really all that easy. It is not quick, it is not easy…and yet…if those who have been injured are to heal and move on, it must be found and embraced. On the weekend prior to our Lenten Penance Services (this Wednesday at 10am and 7:00pm) we hear the story of the woman caught in adultery. It goes without saying that the whole affair is a set-up in order to embarrass Jesus….for example, where is ‘the man’ who was equally involved in the adultery? Thus, those outing the woman have no true desire for justice, mercy or spiritual compassion. She is merely a pawn to be used in their quest for power. Nonetheless, she is a person: somebody’s daughter, somebody’s friend, perhaps even a mother or a wife herself. While the law allowed her to be killed by the ‘righteous’ crowd, Jesus upsets the moral applecart by simply opening the killing frenzy only to those without ANY sins of their own. With simple words and gestures Jesus restores her dignity as a woman, treating her with respect and interestingly enough, accepting her own self-non-condemnation as his own: ‘neither do I condemn you.’
Scripture is strong in reminding us that the measure with which we measure will be measured back to us: forgive and we too will be forgiven, fail to forgive and we will not be forgiven. While the traditional focus for reconciliation and confession has usually been on acknowledging our own failings and sins, how about this year upping the ante and letting go of the supposed (or real) offenses perpetrated against us? In the spirit of Lent can we stop nurturing the wounds and betrayals, the disappointments and emptiness? Forgiveness does not mean forgetfulness, but memory can be the foundation of wisdom.
Instead of continually rebooting the negative and hurtful memories, can we learn from them and move forward? Essentially forgiveness is not so much about the other person as it is our own refusal to remain shackled by what someone else has done to us. Whether or not they ever get their lives straightened out is not nearly as important as US getting our lives back on track. Yes, betrayals, offenses and sins against us are personal, painful and deeply wound. Thus the sins of our ‘public persons’ reveal our sense of personal investment in these people, frequently of whom we know nothing.
If the sins of these relative strangers impact us to such a degree, it is understandable that the sins of those with whom we live our lives will be that much harder from which to move forward. Yet, as Easter draws near, moving forward is essential. If we are to walk from the tomb on Easter, our forgiveness of those who have hurt us is essential…otherwise we will languish in darkness’ of our own making. Besides, if Jesus is capable of forgiving those who have hurt us….who do we think we are to continue to be stingy?
Thank you for joining with our Corpus Christi Community on this occasion of the Spring Equinox….YES, winter is history, Spring and Summer are returning! Praise God! This Wednesday (March 24th) is the occasion of Parish Lenten Reconciliation Services, 10:00am (one priest) and again at 7:00 p.m. (4 priests.) Our Good Friday Prayer Breakfast Team continues to accept reservation requests outside after all the Masses. If you have never experienced the GFPB it is a powerful way in which to initiate a day given over to reflection on the Cross of Jesus…the breakfast is modest and no meat is served…and remember, fasting does not mean NOT eating, only spreading out the equivalent of one full meal throughout an entire day. Please take a Bulletin with for news of what else is happening in the Parish and for more info on the upcoming Holy Week events. As Spring unfolds, remember, you are loved. FKB
