"Looking Beyong Restrictions"

Looking Beyond Restrictions”: Reflection for March 21, 2010, 5th Sunday of Lent

Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Philippians 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-1 1can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

“Looking Beyond Restrictions”

While laws and rules certainly are essential for all sorts of groups in society, the type, reason for, and interpretation of the laws may vary according to the group.
As we move toward the end of this Lenten season, we encounter Jesus as he faces an accusing band of Pharisees who, as Law dictated, condemn only one of the two people caught in adultery, namely the woman (John).
Although such a discriminatory application of the Law was the observed practice at the time – and is a practice that is still found in some societies today, Jesus moves beyond the restrictive law and gives life and hope to the accused woman.
Boldly yet calmly showing that law is not the highest authority, Jesus is not trapped in the skewed Pharisaic vision. Rather, he embodies God’s Word and does a new thing.
In moving to a deeper, personal level, Jesus gives “water in the wilderness”(Isaiah) to this desperate child of God.
We, in turn, are challenged to consider the laws that rule our lives and the ways that we apply laws and rules to others.

To think about: How do laws and rules help or hinder my life/ my family’s life?
Are there some discriminatory practices in my life?
Do I judge people according to gender, race or religion?
Do I judge people according to my own interpretation of the law?
How do I respond to discriminatory, unjust rules?
How do I view those who question rules or those who work to change rules, even long-held rules?
Does my family need fewer rules to help family life?

To do: Hold a family meeting to decide on family rules.
Notice if you tend to judge people or accept people.
Speak up in the face of injustice or discrimination.
Encourage your child to speak to someone whom other children ignore or treat unfairly.
Give life and hope to someone in need through financial support to a group or organization that helps people who experience discrimination.

To pray: Hear Jesus say to you, “I am Bread for your life” when facing decisions this week.
Next week: Passion Sunday: Isaiah 50:4-7;Philippians 2: 6-11; Luke 22: 14-56