Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent
(Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62;
John 8:12-20)
Law and order advocates believe that stricter laws, tougher
judges, and more prisons are the best ways to remedy crime. They would praise the sagacity of Daniel in
the first reading today. He ferrets out
two culprits willing to see an innocent woman stoned to cover up their lust. However, hardliners are not likely to approve
of Jesus’ more daring way to bring about justice.
In the Gospel of John Jesus repeatedly announces that he has
not come to judge the world. His
judgment would not be defective, but neither would it would produce good people. It would only condemn everyone. But God loves the world and does not want anyone
condemned. He sends Jesus to save the
world by offering himself at the appointed time. Jesus will turn human hearts to goodness by
graciously allowing himself to be crucified.
Those who believe that Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrates God’s love will
have eternal life. Those who deride such
sacrifice are doomed to darkness.
We have entered into what used to be called Passiontide when
all images were covered in Catholic churches.
Our minds and hearts are to focus on Jesus supreme sacrifice. Once again, he gives himself willingly to be
tortured, reviled, and killed so that we might be justified.
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