One of the common problems people often have is the desire for new and improved and even more spectacular events. What happened a year ago is “old hat” we want something new, and we want it NOW! In the first reading Isaiah starts by reiterating the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The miraculous parting of the Red Sea, the mana. BUT he knows that was generations ago, “What is God doing for us TODAY?” we ask. As we prepare for Passion Sunday and the Holy Triduum of the Paschal Mystery, we hear God saying, “I am doing something new!” The Psalm reminds us “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Are we? Really???
Paul says, “I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish.” Do we all our possessions rubbish? Are we willing to walk away from them so that we may gain Christ and be found in him?
In the Gospel we hear the familiar story of the woman caught in “the very act of committing” adultery. I am always amazed that the misogynist leaders brought the woman only, what happened to the man? I am sure many women today will voice the concern, “It is always the woman’s fault”, “Didn’t you know that the man is always an innocent victim of a woman’s charm?” How often do we blame others for our bad decisions? We so often want justice with other people but mercy for ourselves. When we take time to confess our sins, do we hear Jesus’ voice, “Has no one condemned you?” “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
Countenance of God 