Mar 13^th, 2016 Sunday homily: Fr.Francis Chirackal CMI

Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11

For Readings

http://www.usccb.org/nab/031316.shtml 

A few decades ago newspapers carried the tragic story of an elderly bachelor. He died alone and unattended in his home–no food in the house, gas and electric shut off because of unpaid bills. Investigators were astonished to find a large sum of money in this house. They also found a savings account with a five-figure balance. Cause of death was malnutrition and exposure to the cold. Further inquiry revealed the man was a loner, proud of his independence. A neighbor quoted the man’s rejection of help. “I’ve never depended on anybody before and I am not going to start.” The man had refused all offers of help. Are there similar conditions in our life when Jesus is waiting to help us? The central theme of today’s readings is God’s steadfast love and mercy. Reminding us of God’s readiness to forgive sin and to restore us to His friendship, today’s readings also challenge us to show the same mercy to the people around us and to live as forgiven people actively seeking reconciliation.

The first reading from the book of Isaiah, presents the message of hope and joy as God conveys the consoling spirit filling words to look forward for joyful prosperous and joyful days which are ahead. In the second reading, St.Paul finds his whole life in Jesus and for Jesus. He seeks nothing but only Jesus through faith in Christ. The gospel presents the story of a woman caught in adultery and God’s overflowing mercy like an over flowing stream. Jesus in this story represented the true face of Heavenly Father’s merciful love.  

In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus takes a totally different way than society was following. It tells to look within before accusing others. For the group, neither the good of the woman nor the spirit of the religion was important, but only to find a means to accuse Jesus, so that they can eliminate Jesus. Jesus, who reads the inner thoughts and intentions, knew their hypocrisy. The moment they saw their own inner self, they left. They rejected an invitation to repentance and conversion. Only that woman repented and received forgiveness and the mercy of God. Knowingly going after a sinful way of life and rejecting the opportunity for repentance and conversion is the saddest tragedy in the life of any individual. During this year of mercy, our Holy Father Pope Francis invites everyone to this repentance and conversion.

The story of Jesus and the adulterous woman, reveals the mercy and love of a compassionate God who invites everyone to receive it in abundance. It reminds us the need to repent of our own sins and pray for God’s mercy in our day to day lives. Again it reminds us to be merciful towards others, especially those who live away from God. In today’s world we need to transmit God’s mercy to all with whom we interact. We read in Mathew 12:7, where Jesus says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”. Every time we pray the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ we make a conditional request to God saying, ‘forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’. Therefore, to receive forgiveness for our sins, we have to forgive others. It is not an option, but a mandate and commitment.

In the gospels, we never see Jesus turning away any sinner. Even on the Cross he forgave the sins of a repenting thief and offered him salvation. The same Jesus forgives the sins of all who approach him with a repentant heart and a desire for conversion. The Church has given us the great sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession. Some people today are reluctant to make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Some people may think that repeated confession of the same sins, is something shameful or it is frustrating to confess the same sins again and again. Here, one thing we need to accept is that, we are human beings with a vulnerable nature. Even after our strong resolution and sincere effort there may be failures. There we need to become humble before God and be reconciled again and ask for grace. Here we can think of our physical health. Because of our genes, many of us are born with certain physical weaknesses, like poor eyesight, allergies or similar physical ill health. We don’t consider it unusual to keep going back to the doctor or taking the same shots or medicines over and over. The same thing may happen to our spiritual health. The Sacraments will heal the spiritual illness.

In the life of a believer there is no room for frustration or depression. There is only hope and encouragement. There may be crisis, hardships or sufferings. But they overcome it with faith in God. In our parishes and communities, we have many examples for this kind of faith filled life.

As we are preparing to celebrate this Easter joy in this ‘Jubilee year of Mercy’, let us look at ourselves and clean our heart with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our loving, compassionate, merciful Jesus, is waiting for us to give his grace, so that our spiritual life will be rejuvenated and renewed during this Lenten period. Let us pray for grace to become more and more merciful day by day, living Jesus’ example in our lives. Let us be always grateful and joyful in our Lord Jesus. God bless you.