Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Joshua 5: 9
Kathy Damon, Appleton, WI
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Truthfully, reading the Old Testament rarely fills me with inspiration. Today’s reading from Joshua is different. It proclaims a great miracle while suggesting a mystery and a deep conflict that exists. The Lord said, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” After generations of bondage, the Jews made the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. Thus began the celebration of Passover, a pivotal event in Jewish history.
So why are they still not free? To this day, Jewish people continue to suffer a different form of bondage – the bondage of poverty and persecution. Many still battle daily to protect their homeland, to overcome lies and stereotypes, and to remember the Holocaust that many choose to deny. This social injustice haunts and challenges me. What can I do? How can I allow God to help me be the change I seek?
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As a Christian offering sacrifices during Lent, I can assist God’s people with what the prophet Isaiah called a “true fast” – sharing my resources. I am grateful for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a wonderful organization that facilitates my sharing. The redemptive messages of Passover and Lent are important to both Jews and Christians. This ancient passage from Joshua acknowledges that and calls me to action.
Reflections for the 5th Sunday of Lent, Year C, 2025
John 8:1-11—The Adulteress Woman
Carol Burns, Appleton,WI
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We all know the story of the woman caught in adultery and the quotable words of Jesus. What motivated these angry men who would do whatever to condemn Jesus to death? Am I seeing a corollary in my present life?
When evil encounters love it wants to extinguish the fire. But when love encounters evil the fire burns within. Sit with me Lord as I discern. Isaiah tells me, "Whether (I) turn to the right or left (my) ears will hear these words...this is the way, follow it." Is 30:21. Am I getting the correct directions?
​​The scribes and the Pharisees wanted to test Jesus, to contrive a reason to condemn him. And so the sinful woman was brought front and center along with a reminder of the rules of Moses. If Jesus submitted to the stoning of the sinner, he could be accused of breaking the Roman Law. Conversely, if he disagreed with these religious zealots he would be accused of breaking the Mosaic Law. There are always consequences to our actions. Jesus chose non-violence.
Am I bumping into a so called example of an “adulterous woman?” We are each called in different ways: some as scribes, some as boots on the ground, some as leaders, some followers. We are called according to the specific design God has imprinted on each.
Jesus modeled a way of life; his life is our blueprint--our purpose. Because he lived we will fight for justice. We will fight for health care and the rights of all. We will feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We will cry with those who cry and laugh with those who laugh. Our Jesus is the Christ whom John speaks of as the Logos -- the Christ of the Universe.
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Am I ready?? Are we??
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