By Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Is 43: 16-21; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8: 1-11
The readings of the day invite us to recall the sins we have done in our lives and invite us to return to our Lord who is gracious and merciful. To return to him with our hearts, we need to realize our mistakes and prepare ourselves to be acceptable to God. Reflecting on the gospel reading, I am reminded of one of my major superiors, who inspired us through his words and deeds. His way of correcting our mistakes was similar to what Jesus did in the gospel. He would not point out our mistakes for correction, rather would make us realize our mistakes and create a heart of repentance. It is what Jesus did, as discussed in today’s gospel, making the people of all ages to have a heart of self-realization which prepares the heart for repentance.
This is also something similar to what the seminarians do at the middle or end of every academic year, in writing self-evaluations or examining one’s conscience at the end of the day. It is all about writing about oneself, recalling the spiritual, emotional, human, apostolic and community life during the past one year. It makes us cherish God’s grace and accept our mistakes and failures and take it as an area of growth for the upcoming
days.
This is what Jesus wants of us. On the other hand, we should not be like the Pharisees in the gospel who find joy in punishing, judging and accusing others. Let us keep the words of Jesus who said “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Lk 6:37).
With these words imprinted in our hearts and with assurance of God’s grace and mercy, let us continue to march on in our Lenten journey along with Jesus and Mary.