5th Sunday of Lent - Year C - Mercy Meets Misery & “The Seven Last Words”
Sometimes, we humans are not very good at forgiving. Most of us still want to punish others, even long after a person has repented, asked forgiveness or has moved on from the event or our lives. This distinguishes us from God, who promises to forgive the moment that we turn to Him. We see this kind of love, compassion and forgiveness in our readings today.
The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah (Isa. 43:16-21) says this: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” How we struggle with memories! If some of us come from difficult family histories, then those memories stay with us all our lives. We have a challenge to change bad memories into blessings, without pretending that nothing bad ever happened. Or if we have experienced sudden deaths in our families or tragic accidents, we struggle to allow those memories to be healed.
Part of healing is always getting on with what is new. Sometimes we find ourselves locked into some negative emotions from our past experiences and we struggle to let those emotions be healed. Even if we were victims of something in the past, if we make our identity based on being a victim, we cannot really heal. We must come to acknowledge the power of God to transform us.
In the Gospel this weekend (Jn. 8:1-11), we have this passage of Scripture of a woman taken in adultery who has been condemned to death by stoning. It is a strong story, because those who have condemned her are ready to stone her to death right now. There is no forgetting or forgiving here. If we look at the story from a forgiveness point of view, we can easily see that Jesus wants us to forgive even that which goes against our moral principles. This is not a condoning of the sin. We have the clear words of Jesus at the end of the passage: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” On the other hand, it goes against the customs of that time.
Today we can ask ourselves once again: Am I willing to forgive everyone everything? Do I allow those who have really made messes of their lives an opportunity to start over again? Am I a person who encourages others to repent because they know that I will always be ready to forgive? What is our image of God? Do we see our God as a God who loves and forgives? Let us give thanks for our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to show us the love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness of a God who cannot resist helping us!
In honor of the Lenten Season, we’d like to share our latest video, “The Seven Last Words from the Cross / O Vos Omnes”, a beautiful musical setting of the seven expressions biblically attributed to Jesus during his crucifixion. The seven sayings are gathered from the four canonical gospels. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus cries out to God. In Luke, he forgives his killers, reassures the penitent thief, and commends his spirit to the Father. In John, he speaks to his mother, says he thirsts, and declares the end of his earthly life. The hymn ends with a final refrain from John 3:16.
Father, forgive them; they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34). This first saying of Jesus on the cross is traditionally called "The Word of Forgiveness".
Today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43). This saying is traditionally called "The Word of Salvation”.
Woman, behold, your son! Behold, your mother! (John 19:26–27). This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Relationship".
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Mark 15:34 / Matthew 27:46). This saying is traditionally called “The Word of Abandonment”.
I thirst (John 19:28). This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Distress".
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46). This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Reunion".
It is finished. (John 19:30). This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Triumph".
