Tag Archives: Mercy

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – A Brief Reflection

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There was an inscription over his head:

‘THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS’

.(Luke 23:38)

2 Sm 5: 1-3

Col 1: 12-20

Luke 23: 35-45

San Damiano crossToday, the Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King.  However, the Scripture readings for the day could lead to confusion for some of us.  The first reading describes how the people of Israel came together and made David their king.  It was to David, did the Lord make the promise: “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me ; your throne shall stand firm forever” (2 Sm 7: 16).  Even when their lands were occupied by foreign invaders; the people of Israel still hoped for the promised coming of the Messiah, a descendant of King David.

We believe that Jesus of Nazareth, of the line of King David; is the promised Messiah, the Christ of God, the Son of God.  However, in the Gospel reading from Luke, we see Jesus not seated on a throne, but nailed to a cross, like a common criminal.  Yet in this suffering, he was performing the greatest act a king can do; dying for his people.  For by his death and resurrection; Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, freed us all from the power of sin and death.  To Him, would come a glory that would surpass anything pomp and ceremony could bestow on a earthly king or queen.

Today, the Catholic Church is also ending the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  It is fitting then, that today’s Gospel reading describes the last act of mercy Jesus would perform before his death.  Despite enduring horrific suffering, he hears the plea of a repentant criminal, and promises him eternal peace.  Thus, we are being challenged by Jesus; that no matter how much pain or suffering someone may have caused us, we must be ready to be merciful, to forgive and to heal.  And no matter how hard life might be, at any given moment, we must be open to any opportunity, to give mercy to someone who needs it.

Brief Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent – 2016

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Jesus and the Woman

 

Isaiah 43: 16-21

Philippians 3: 8-14

John 8: 1-11

 

“Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something  new!”  Isaiah 43

“Jesus finally straightened up and said to the her, ‘Woman, where did they all disappear to?  Has no one condemned you ?  ‘No one sir,’ she answered.  Jesus said, ‘Nor do I condemn you.  You may go.  But from now on, avoid this sin.'” (John 8: 10-11)

 

In the past few Sundays, the Scriptures have had the theme of God’s mercy.  Last Sunday it was the parable of the Prodigal Son, this  Sunday, we read of Jesus’ encounter with the woman who had been caught in the act of adultery.  The reality of God’s mercy and love for all His creation has been and is a constant theme in Pope Francis’ homilies and addresses to the world.  Yet, many of us have, sadly, been receiving mixed messages from many the Christian communities.  Both over radio, broadcast television, cable television, and the Web; we hear preachers of all denominations, deliver “fire and brimstone” sermons, condemning sinners to hell.  People who believe themselves to be among the “righteous”, look with disgust, and sometimes hatred,  at those they see being among the “unclean.”

In Jesus times, such individuals also existed, especially those who were among the Temple elite.  They wanted a “pure” holy society; by a strict, unbending obedience to “the Law.”  But they had forgotten what God had spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “…see, I am doing something new!”  Jesus was revealing a loving God, a Father of mercy.  Jesus challenged the leaders of his time, and he challenges us to show mercy and forgiveness to all   those who may have harmed us.  Jesus remind’s us, that none of us are without sin or fault.  As we hope for God’s mercy, so must we give mercy to others.