**** The UN Defines Gender?? **** Austin Ruse reports in his "Friday Fax" for 3/30/01. **** See it today in the Friday edition of Join My Journey: **** http://homepage.mac.com/ojoachim The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, April 1, 2001 The Fifth Sunday of Lent Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word: Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126:1-6 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11 Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm A Reflection on Today's Scripture: I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling in Christ Jesus." (John 8:1-11) One key thought in today's readings is found in St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, expressing his striving "toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling in Christ Jesus." Jesus said He did not come to bring condemnation but reconciliation, to fulfill God's love by lifting sinful humanity to salvation. Those ignoring or rejecting God's Word, in whom mankind was created to live, actually condemn themselves by freely choosing sin over God's eternal life. Christ's religious contemporaries failed to see that God's law expressed His way of love, described the means of creating a peaceful, orderly society living in joy and fulfillment, giving glory to the Creator. Instead they interpreted the law to instill fear, prompt obedience through cruel punishments. Unfortunately, many enforcers of the law were steeped in hypocrisy, outwardly impeccable while inwardly corrupt. Christ knew their hearts and challenged anyone without sin to cast the first stone to kill the adulterous woman. What did Jesus write on the ground that caused her accusers to leave her unharmed? Perhaps it was a brief summary of their secret sins. Healing of sin-ridden hearts leading to compassion for others begins when we see ourselves through God's eyes. It is a steep climb to salvation in Christ, not because God makes it difficult, but because we follow selfish, self-righteous, unkindly, unforgiving ways -- all of them stumbling blocks on our path toward perfect love. Only total abandonment to God's loving will, in all things, allows humanity to reach its lofty goal: eternal life in Christ. Blessed Redeemer, through Your Holy Spirit's ministry, show us our sins; grant us the grace to turn away from them toward your saving love. Amen. - Marie L. Bocko, ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) (c)2001 The Way, The Truth, The Life. Permission granted to make reprints or to post on any web page, except for profit. YOU can help to evangelize the Word of God: Recommend to your friends the Daily Meditations online at: http://homepage.mac.com/ojoachim ARCHIVED Meditations at: http://members.xoom.com/abcsoffaith/quiet1.htm http://www.mail-archive.com/dailymed%40saturn.nibcomp.com/maillist.html For ALL communications, including SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
