Apr
3
I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice: Fifth Sunday of Lent (Cycle C)
Isaiah 43:16–21; Philippians 3:8–14; John 8:1–11
Have you ever experienced despair—that sense that you have failed so badly that nothing can redeem you? That the circumstances in which you find yourself, maybe through no fault of your own, are inescapable? Despair is not like fear. With fear you don’t know what will happen, but you don’t assume that you are abandoned and alone. There may be some hope. Despair is that presumption that nothing can save you. You are doomed.
Following on last week’s celebration, Laetare Sunday, I’m sure these words seem a bit discordant. Last week we were talking about rejoicing in the coming joy, and now I’m talking to you about despair. Why? I’m talking about despair because it was the very reason that the Gospel took root and flourished.
Have you ever experienced despair—that sense that you have failed so badly that nothing can redeem you? That the circumstances in which you find yourself, maybe through no fault of your own, are inescapable? Despair is not like fear. With fear you don’t know what will happen, but you don’t assume that you are abandoned and alone. There may be some hope. Despair is that presumption that nothing can save you. You are doomed.
Following on last week’s celebration, Laetare Sunday, I’m sure these words seem a bit discordant. Last week we were talking about rejoicing in the coming joy, and now I’m talking to you about despair. Why? I’m talking about despair because it was the very reason that the Gospel took root and flourished.
