Dear brothers and sisters, as we draw closer to Holy Week, the readings today remind us of the incredible mercy of God and His power to transform our lives. They call us to leave behind the burdens of our past, embrace the new things that God is doing, and strive forward toward a future filled with grace and renewal.
In the first reading from Isaiah, the Lord speaks to His people, reminding them of how He made a way through the Red Sea, delivering them from slavery in Egypt. But then He tells them something striking: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!”
This message is not about forgetting God’s past miracles but about recognizing that God’s work is ongoing. He is not limited to what He has done before—He is always doing something new! He is constantly opening new paths, even in the wastelands of our lives. Just as He provided water in the desert for His chosen people, He provides the living water of grace for us today.
How often do we get stuck in the past—either in past sins, regrets, or even past glories? God calls us to look forward, to see the new opportunities for conversion, healing, and growth that He places before us.
In the second reading, Saint Paul shares his own journey of transformation. He once prided himself on his strict observance of the law, but after encountering Christ, he realized that none of it compared to the “supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” He says, “I consider everything as a loss… that I may gain Christ and be found in Him.”
St. Paul’s words challenge us to examine our own attachments. What are we holding onto that prevents us from fully embracing Christ? Are we clinging to worldly successes, material possessions, or even our own sense of righteousness? St. Paul reminds us that our true righteousness comes not from our own efforts but from faith in Christ.
Lent is a time to let go of what holds us back. Like St. Paul, we are called to “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.” The past does not define us—God’s grace does.
The Gospel today presents one of the most powerful moments of Jesus’ mercy. A woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. According to the Law of Moses, she deserves death by stoning. The religious leaders present this case to Jesus, not out of concern for justice but as a trap to test Him. If He says she should not be stoned, He appears to disregard the Law. If He agrees with stoning her, He contradicts His message of mercy.
But Jesus responds with divine wisdom. He bends down and writes on the ground. When they press Him for an answer, He stands and says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the accusers leave, until only Jesus and the woman remain.
Then comes the moment of true mercy. Jesus does not condemn her. Instead, He says, “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” This is the perfect balance of mercy and truth. Jesus does not dismiss sin, but He also does not condemn the sinner. He offers her a new beginning.
This Gospel invites us to reflect on two things: First, how quick are we to judge others? Do we, like the Pharisees, focus on condemning others while ignoring our own faults? Second, do we truly accept Christ’s mercy in our own lives? The woman in the Gospel received forgiveness and was given the opportunity to start anew. Jesus offers us the same grace.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us remember:
- God is always doing something new in our lives—are we open to seeing it?
- We must let go of what holds us back so that we can gain Christ.
- Jesus does not condemn us, but He calls us to conversion.
May we receive His mercy and extend it to others, walking forward in faith toward the new life He offers.