FEAR NOT

Sunday 3 April – John 8: 2-11

 

This week’s Gospel echo’s the reassurance of the Numinous Shepherd, Our Lord who is a kind and merciful God.  We witness the familiar scene of Jesus intervening between an angry mob of Pharisees and a local woman caught in the act of adultery.  The Pharisees hold stones and are ready to execute the woman for breaking the law.  Patiently and in deep thought, Jesus is seen kneeling down and scratching the earth.  Intently, all watch the Patron of Justice as he slowly rises to challenge the mob.  His next remark has reverberated throughout history.  “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” There is a slight moment before all the stones drop to the ground and the crowd disperses.

 Weeping and with tears flowing from her eyes, the woman grabs Jesus’ feet in appreciation.  Like the death row inmate who receives a reprieve from his sentence at the last-minute, she is also saved.  The message is obvious.  God’s way are not ours.  As Jesus gently helps the woman up, she is filled with contrition by this act of mercy.  Once again, the Essence of All Grace stood between violence and unbridled love.

 As with most scripture, one can see something different each time they engage in prayer.  Aside from the obvious rescue mission that presented itself and the opportunity for this woman to reconcile her sin, perhaps there is another message embedded in this passage?  Could Jesus also be reminding the woman to be not afraid of the sin that will be nailed to the cross soon?  Perhaps He is telling her to fear not of the crosses that she will bear in the future.  To find courage and not fear the evil forces who look to destroy and condemn?  Maybe Jesus is saying that the Glorious Mercy is available to all,  even until the last minute of our lives?  Just trust in the unconditional love and mercy of God. 

Currently we are witnessing an unprecedented series of events occurring in Ukraine and throughout the word (current wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen & Syria).  I believe that there is something more sinister taking place. Something that goes beyond a goal motivated by a socio-political land grab.  It is the manifestation of evil personified with genocidal acts targeting innocent children, mothers, and civilians.  The Ukrainian people are demonstrating remarkable courage in the face of evil and fear that most cannot fathom here.  They are following the proclamation of Pope John Paul II after his election to the papacy in 1978.  He proclaimed to the world, “Be not afraid!” Rather than feeling from fear, these brave people have seemed to embrace the proclamation wholeheartedly in their quest to be free.

The Ukrainians have always been a special people to Our Lady.  I suggest you review the messages and prophecies of Fatima and how they are unfolding before our eyes today.  This statement is not designed to spread fear but to think about the message Jesus might have given to the penitent woman on that fateful day to be not afraid and sin no more. Maybe the opposite of fear is not courage-based but rather love-based? I recently read something that stuck with me and that applies to this horrendous genocide and our brethren in Ukraine.  “Danger is not optional in this world, but response to fear is.” 

Ukraine is eighty percent Christian. Are we now witnessing yet another attack upon our church in Ukraine?  Like Our Savior, the Ukrainian people also stand between truth and deception and they too are not allowing fear to be an option.  Their stand is clear.  They are like Jesus who stood up to vengeance and the autocratic rule of the Pharisees with unwavering faith and courage. 

Many today believe that we are living in prophetic times.  As you read this reflection, God is imparting miracles in Ukraine and they are being reported more each day.  We must pray and pray hard from the heart to bring peace to the world.  I suggest that we pray the prayer of Saint Michael who is the champion of justice and who battles all forms of evil.  Let us ask for his protection. I also suggest that we pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and ask for Her divine intersession throughout the world?  I leave you now with this simple prayer:

                 “For You Lord and You alone remain the Holy and Divine spark of life,

the axis of perfection and glory between heaven and earth.  With Your

immeasurable and abounding love, You will never abandon Your children to fear.”

 

“Fear Not” - The Pilgrim