Formerly known as Passion Sunday, when statues were covered with purple, and our thoughts were centered on the events which led to the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, this Fifth Sunday of Lent looks at the compassion of Jesus, but the ensuing days still focus on his final weeks of confrontation with the Pharisees and his eventual arrest and "trial" before Pontius Pilate.
We see a Jesus focused on his mission to bring forgiveness to sinners, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more." (Jn 8:11), he says to the woman caught in adultery. The raising of Lazarus, his friend, comes as a result of the entreaty of Martha and Mary, but also is symbolic of his own resurrection and the new life offered to us, our resurrection from sinfulness and our guarantee of eternal life in heaven. Jesus knows where his preaching and healing is leading, but he doesn't stop reaching out to others. When we find ourselves "stretched to the max", we might think of this and remember that he will always be there to help us take that next step, the one we think we have no further strength, nor desire, to take. Today's alternative opening prayer at Mass might become our prayer throughout the day:
"Father in heaven, the love of our Son led him to accept the suffering of the cross, that his brothers and sisters might glory in new life. Change our selfishness into self-giving. Help us to embrace the world you have given us, that we may transform the darkness of its pain into the life and joy of Easter. Grant this though Christ our Lord. Amen."
Bro. Rene
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