REFLECTION FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT (TIER C)

Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11.

Would it be a surprise to notice scars on the body of soldier who had been involved in war? An Olympic gold medal does not adorn the neck of an athlete who did not pay the price through a series of demanding, rigorous training sessions. In a similar manner, the crown of a true Christian life does not emerge without an experience of the cross. In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the Lord spoke to his people through the prophet, Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the deserts.  But how does the Lord often bring about something new in our lives? 

Treading the path of suffering for the sake of Christ is often despised while at the same time the anticipation of sharing in the glory of Christ is often proclaimed. It is easy forget that when reflecting on our mission, the path of suffering is what enables us to share in the glory of Christ. The second reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians the apostle Paul counted everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. One way of coming to know Christ is by seeing Christ in the poor and the needy. In the gospel of Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus made it clear to us that, we cannot share in the glory of God’s kingdom without knowing him and serving him in the poor and the needy. Anyone who has not counted everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ cannot truly recognize and serve Christ in the poor. The vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and stability lived out in sincerity of heart and love in the congregation are intended to be a concrete expression of our willingness to sacrifice everything for the mission. Our loss (in the sense of what we have given up in order to serve God in the poor) is the scar of our participation in the suffering of Christ so as to share in his glory. We are not to imitate the scribes and Pharisees (as described in the gospel reading about the woman who was caught in the act of committing adultery) who did not cast stones at the woman but also did not change their attitude, did not give their hearts to the Lord? 

Unless our hearts are lovingly handed over to God, there will be no authentic mission because no loss can be counted. In my understanding, Saint Vincent de Paul expressed this same thought when he stated: I thank God for your willingness to do His Holy Will, no matter what the cost, with no regard for your own inclinations (CCD:VI:604).

                                                              Fr. Augustine Abiagom, CM.  (Province of Nigeria)