+Dear Saint David Parishioners,
As we celebrate this final Sunday before Holy Week, there is much upon which to reflect.
1. Where will we meet Jesus on His Way to the Cross? Will we spend extra time with Him to thank Him for the awesome gift of redeeming us from sin? Will we be like the sinful woman, recognizing our sinfulness and receiving Jesus’ mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Participating in this sacrament offers us the opportunity to begin anew!
2. As we approach these most solemn days, let us share the depths of Jesus’ love with our family members by participating in the Holy Week liturgies. I remember as a child, Mom and Dad would pile us in the station wagon and head to church for Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies. I have to be honest, sometimes we did complain, but it was short-lived because we knew that Mom and Dad were in charge, and we were not. When it came to attending special liturgies, it was basically understood that it wasn’t a matter for discussion. It made Holy Week stand out from the rest of the year because our parents explained to us that Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to make the ultimate painful sacrifice to save us from sin. Attending these Holy Week services became an important tradition in our family.
3. We learn in today’s Gospel that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save us from its judgments and sin. Like the woman caught in adultery, we can confidently trust in Jesus’ mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Some theologians believe that what Jesus was scribbling in the dirt were the sins of the woman’s accusers. One by one the crowd dropped the stone which they were so readily to hurl at her because she was a sinner. What a lesson for us. When we are quick to pass judgment on another, perhaps we should consider our own sins, faults, and failings. Therefore, rather than throwing stones of hurtful gossip, we may instead pray for the person and pray for ourselves that we may have a more charitable tongue and heart. Jesus freed the woman and us from sin so that we can turn away from our former way of life and start living more in accordance with Jesus’ way.
4. During Holy Week, let us make it our goal to spend extra time with Jesus, and then on Easter Sunday, we will truly rejoice for we will have Jesus’ resurrected life within us.
May the Risen Jesus fill your heart and homes with His peace, joy, love, and new life!
In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, I am,
Sister Mary