Sunday Reflections

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.

The Charism Statement of the Congregation of the Resurrection attests to our belief that God’s love for us is merciful and unfailing.  Further, the Charism Statement reminds us that we have not earned God’s love and that, in fact, we are sinners.  And yet, “God continues to draw us to Godself.”  This experience of knowing our sinfulness in the midst of God’s love and the experience that God calls us even in the midst of our sinfulness is one that is shared by three people in our readings today. 

Jesus shared in the prophetic ministry of many women and men we encounter in the Old Testament.  They were called by God and inspired to speak in the name of God.  They brought Good News - that God loved them, that they were "his people", and that he had a plan for them.  However, they also brought 'Bad News' - calling them to conversion and a change of heart to truly be "his people".  Jesus was not spared the rejection of other prophets, even leading to their death.             &nbsp