Monday, March 27, 2023
We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
(John 8:7)
Perseverance Despite Circumstances
It is so easy to judge others caught in undesirable circumstances; the street-corner beggar, people trapped in addictions - without a thought of perseverance to improve their situation.
Today’s Gospel and first Reading share a common theme of perseverance despite circumstances that carry a “signed and sealed” death sentence. Susanna has been falsely trapped and accused of serious sin (Daniel 13) and a woman is caught in adultery by the Pharisees (John 8:1-11); both are at the mercy of our creator and persevere in their hope (faith).
Joanna cries aloud to God which stirs the bystander Daniel to action saving Joanna, and Jesus, seeing the poor soul in front of him with only hope upon which to cling, answers, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first one to throw a stone…”
These readings speak to those trapped to persevere in Faith – and they speak to me, too. Let me drop my stone (my stony heart) and instead fall to my knees in front of my Savior for the times I have not courageously taken steps to alleviate a needy circumstance. And perhaps together we will hear Jesus say, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.” (John. 8:11)
Do I persevere in prayer despite seemingly impossible circumstances, whether for me or another?
Lord, help me a poor sinner to always persevere in faith despite the circumstances and never lose hope in Your saving love. Amen.
Reflection by:
Alan Gauzens, is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin. There, he is a lector and active in men’s ministries including the Knights of Columbus, That Man Is You! and Tap Into Discipleship. A 2019 graduate of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute, Alan and his wife Joanne have been married for over 40 years and are blessed with 4 children.