Weekend Reflection for 3/11/16

In Sunday's Gospel reading we see Jesus refusing to condemn the adulterous woman. He very easily turns the tables on those trying to trap him with his statement, "let the one among you without sin throw the first stone." He gently dismisses the woman without condemnation but with the admonition that she has to avoid this sin in the future. Pope Francis was speaking in the spirit of this gospel when questioned about the situation of gay and lesbian people. He simply replied "Who am I to judge?"

Jesus more than once in the Gospels has told us that his role in this world is to first and foremost to heal and save people, not to judge or condemn. These are the Father's prerogatives.

I suspect we see the epitome  of Jesus' teaching in this matter when on the cross he says "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." There should be no doubt, however, that Jesus abhors and hates all evils and sin--and he will give his life fighting and opposing them. But the case is just the opposite regarding the evildoer or the sinner. 

In our world today on an almost daily basis we become aware of many terrible evils and horrors.  Jesus does not want to relieve us of the responsibility of trying to overcome and cure him these. But He is clearly reminding us that the judgment and condemnations of the perpetrators are not our responsibility and to leave them to His Father.  Rather he invites and asks us to work with him and His people as ambassadors of reconciliation.

-Fr. Jim Blumeyer, S.J.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH SPACE:

Women: March 14, April 4

Men: Holy Week-Wednesday March 23- Sunday March 26

Coed: September 2-4