Today, as we begin to look toward Holy Week, we are confronted with the famous story of the women caught in a sinful act. However, as always, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees – the religious of the day – who seek to condemn her. Instead, Jesus offers her mercy and forgiveness, urging her to simply, “go and sin no more.” Jesus is the one who never condemns, even when we are most condemnatory of ourselves and others. The look of Jesus to this condemned woman saved her. He shed the look of the Divine and imparted everlasting love.
As many reflect on their lives and know they need forgiveness, some feel they are turned away from the leaders of the church when they found that there is no forgiveness here; others simply went away. As I reflect on my life and consider my need for forgiveness, I realize that I need to draw closer to Jesus, who loves me and allow Him to forgive me.
Recently, I traveled to San Antonio to celebrate a wedding. It was a long trip, but the family and I have become close. The rehearsal and dinner were wonderful, but on the day of the wedding, I got caught in construction traffic. I sat for almost an hour, fretting and on the verge of tears, as I had only moved less than 3/10 of a mile! At this rate, I would be over an hour late for the wedding! I begged God and in my prayer (and one more to St Christopher!) and I realized what I said, ‘It must be punishment for all my sins.’ You see, I took a simple, albeit frustrating car jam and turned it upon myself.
After few minutes of anxiety, a cargo van pulled up next to me and motioned to roll my window down. He said, “Hi! Are you a priest?” I told him that I was and that I was going to a wedding, and being from Pennsylvania, I was very stuck! He asked where the wedding was and he replied with, “Oh my goodness, Father, I am going to Fredericksburg, too! I am a UPS Courier so follow me! I will get you there!” I did, and he did with 20 minutes to spare!! I was sure God was punishing me, so God turned the tables and sent me an angel to guide my way!
This story often invites us to heap criticism on the Pharisees and perhaps even ourselves. as we can become critical, judgmental and superior. But then comes our Lord, ‘Don’t look out’, Jesus says, ‘look in’. I looked into my heart and became aware of my own need for forgiveness.
I hear the words of Jesus speaking to me again – not condemning me, but giving me a new mission and a new vision of myself.
May we enter Holy Week washed of our own condemnation to receive anew Christ’s saving light.
Monsignor +Jim