Dear Friends,
We say hello to April, and I hope to more seasonal warmer weather as the flowers and trees are all coming to life. We are at the fifth Sunday of Lent which means that next Sunday is Palm Sunday. Palms will be blessed and distributed at all the Masses. The 12 Noon Mass will include the blessing and procession at the beginning of Mass.
This Sunday is an opportunity to kick into high gear our Lenten efforts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Whether we have been doing well so far or perhaps have been struggling to be faithful to these efforts, there is no time like the present to commit to these efforts during these last two weeks. God is with us!
Our Gospel reading is filled with drama about the woman caught in adultery, brought to Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees to entrap Him. Convinced of their self-righteousness, knowing what the Mosaic Law prescribed, filled with envy, and despising all that Jesus is, they thought they had conquered. The woman must have been terrified, certainly humiliated, perhaps even thinking that she would be better off dead. That is what sin does to us. The evil one tries to convince us to despair, to hopelessness.
But Jesus came specifically for us sinners, and sinners are we all. He came to prove that we are never abandoned, never left on our own. He is always extending His compassion, His mercy, His forgiveness that sets us free. The only requirement is that we realize that we are in need of His mercy, that we humbly go to Him and accept His love and compassion. Something that the scribes and Pharisees did not do.
So, where will we be this week? Among those holding onto pride, ego, and self-righteousness which blocks out the power of Jesus, prevents us from entering into His redeeming love and mercy? Or, among those standing before Jesus conscious of our weakness and sinfulness, perhaps a bit trembling but humble and hearing Him say with profound love and compassion, “Neither do I condemn you.
Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
Our parish Easter confessions with many additional priest confessors will be held this Tuesday, April 5. There are two sessions for your convenience, 4:00 – 5:00 PM and then 7:00 PM in Church. Please make every effort to come and experience Jesus’ compassion and mercy which sets us free.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
