Sunday Reflections

We all seek to be loved.  The definition of ‘true’ love varies from one person to another, from superficiality to deep intimacy.  Jesus Christ, whose resurrection we continue to celebrate, has given us an image of what ‘true’ love looks like with five simple words, to love one another ”as I have loved you”.  With those words Jesus raised the bar for all of us, especially those of us who profess to be his followers.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, initially the disciples are not happy to see the Risen Lord.  After all, they had, only days earlier, deserted him in his hour of need.  And Peter, who had professed the loudest that he would never leave Jesus, had denied him three times with the words: “I do not know the man.”  Now, the Risen Lord stands before the disciples.  You could imagine how they might feel ashamed because they had run away and denied him.  But, in the midst of this shame and embarrassment, the Risen Lord says, “Peace be with you.”

Sometimes, in our human condition, we do not always take people at their word.  Our experience may have taught us that people exaggerate and even outright lie!  In our gospel Thomas, the apostle, did not believe his fellow apostles – men he had known so well for three years.  He would not believe that they had seen the risen Lord.  I don’t know about you, but if I were one of those colleagues, I would be upset with Thomas.  Thomas set down conditions to believe that Jesus had risen – and Jesus  met them!  He now believed!  That same

Our first reading is the third of four passages that are referred to as the “suffering servant songs” in Isaiah.  This reading highlights for Christians that Jesus is like this suffering servant. He has proclaimed God’s Good News in his words and in his deeds—especially in ways that would sustain and heal the weary and downtrodden. Indeed, it is Jesus’ constant attention to the marginalized and sinners that has provoked controversy early in the gospels. “Who but God alone can forgive sins”?

The dramatic Gospel for this Fifth Sunday of Lent arouses a lot of emotion in many people.  Many relate to the self-righteousness of the crowd, pointing the finger at a sinner caught in a public sin - and with a public consequence.  Others relate to the adulterous woman, judged and convicted before others.  Yet, others, in humility, relate to the crowd who began to disperse one-by-one "beginning with the elders".  However, can we all relate to that woman, forgiven by Jesus the Lord? 

Usually the link between the first reading and the gospel reading is apparent.   However, this Sunday we may have to look more closely; but once we see the link, we will hear news of great joy!  The first reading from the Book of Exodus contains the well-known story of God speaking to Moses in the burning bush, giving him instructions to go to Egypt and to tell Pharaoh to set the Israelites free.  The Gospel from Luke is a call by Jesus to the repentance of sins. 

When I hear this Gospel of the Transfiguration of Jesus, I cannot help but think that the famous director Cecil B. DeMille would have written it very differently.   Such a sensational vision for Peter, John and James on the mountain - the blazing light, and the presence of Moses and Elijah with Jesus - and the only words that the Father can give are "This is my chosen Son; listen to him"?  They are almost the same as those at the Baptism of the Lord, with only the "listen to him" added.  Although Cecil B.