| Homily
for the 5th Sunday of Lent: March 25, 2007
Given by the Most
Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation
in Stockton.
There are people whose personal lives are in
a desert. They do not know God, let alone His son, the teachings
of Jesus, nor the Gospel of peace and reconciliation. There
are people whose world is a wilderness. They may be lonely,
empty inside, discouraged or unhappy. In desperation they
might drink heavily, do drugs, act out addictions or simply
withdraw into their own narcissistic world. If we are honest
there is probably some desert in all of us.
However no one needs to be without hope because
there is water flowing in the desert; there are rivers running
through the wilderness. The water is for all to drink. If
you are thirsty come to the waters.
Drink of God by believing in His Son Jesus Christ.
Paul proclaims that if you know Christ Jesus you will be justified,
you will be made righteous. I will add: You will be reconciled
to God. You will be healed. You will begin a new life. “See,”
God says, “I am doing something new.”
The waters which flow can be understood as forgiveness,
and the rivers as righteousness.
Jesus said to the woman “Neither do I condemn you.”
This is forgiveness, the compassion of God. “And from
now on do not sin any more.” This is a call to conversion
leading to righteousness. The command of God is for a new
way of life. Forgiveness and conversion go hand in hand. God
never forgives us just to forgive us. God’s forgiveness
is always for salvation. The compassion of God always calls
us to conversion. When we turn back to God, in faith we are
made righteous before God. We are created anew to live in
Christ, and Christ lives in us.
When you minister in the name of Jesus,
no matter what the ministry in the Church may be, you bring
the compassion of God to the people you serve and you bear
witness to the Christ who calls them to live in communion
with Him for the glory and honor of God.
Last Update March 26, 2007
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