Fifth Sunday of Lent

04-07-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to thank all those who participated in the Lenten Penance Service during the week. I really appreciate the good turn out and active participation during the service. Also, thanks to those who attended the St John Bosco Gala (A Night to Dream Big). Through your generous support to the school, we were able to raise over $50,000. This fund will go toward the purchase of books and educational materials needed in the Library and classrooms.

Reflection on the Gospel

In last Sunday, and today's, Gospel Readings the focus is on the theme of finding the balance between justice and mercy. The story of the prodigal son and the woman caught in adultery have three main things in common: the feeling of guilt/shame by the victim, expecting a deserving punishment for grievous sins, and the relief of being completely forgiven. It is never easy for anyone to endure public humiliation, guilt, and shame for making a mistake that deserves a just punishment. Can you imagine how the woman in the Gospel today felt? She was dragged before Jesus, presumably by men seeking justice for breaking the sixth commandment. Yet, we ask ourselves, where is the man partner who was also involved in this sin? Still, she was forced to face the consequences of her sins. She was ashamed of herself and she expected to be killed.

Like this woman, full of shame for her sin, we "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Like her, we all deserve death, "for the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). But when we confess our sins to Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, he overturns our death sentence. He sets us free with his words of absolution: "Neither do I condemn you, go your way, and sin no more" (John 8:11). The church puts this story before us this weekend so we can see ourselves in this sinner, whom Jesus saved from her impending death, at the risk of attracting death to himself. This serves to prepare us for Holy Week when we see Jesus making the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins.

At the Threshold of Easter

I can hardly believe that we have crossed the greater part of Lent already. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. As is our tradition, the Palm Sunday Masses will begin outside on the West side of the Church with a procession into the church. We will provide enough palms for everyone, but feel free to bring your own palms, if you wish. For the Holy Week Liturgy schedule, please check the parish bulletin, website and bulletin board.

Thank you and Remain Blessed.
Fr. James

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