Open Wednesday ... Fifth Sunday of Lent, C    March 21

     Has something so wonderful ever happened that when it is over you long for those times?  One can dwell so much in past good times that one misses the present     blessings.  In such a vein does Isaiah write in the First Reading.  The Hebrews         remembered the spectacular action of God in delivering them from Egypt that they were unaware of current blessings.  To prepare to hear the First Reading be aware    of countless blessings during the day.  Every day God is doing something new!  Look for "God-incidences"-as opposed to coincidences; "God-incidences" are happenings with a frequency that go beyond mere coincidence.
     Use happy memories for the joy they bring.  In the picture for the Psalm did you notice that  rejoicing is spelled re-joy-sing?.  When you are happy, sing a hymn       acknowledging the greatness of God.  When you are sad or anxious, sing the same hymn thereby showing your reliance on the promises and faithfulness of God.  If you can relate your life to the "wasteland" of which Isaiah writes, then especially be aware of God doing something new in your life.  Let water be a reminder to pray for and to be able to perceive the "rivers" and "springs" God is bringing. 
     Paul, in the Second Reading, says he has lost all for the sake of Jesus, and yet he is satisfied.  Paul knows he has not yet won eternal salvation, but that is the prize towards which he strains.
     Have you ever competed in a race and felt tired and had to strain to reach the end?  That  is the way Paul says he feels.  To prepare to hear the Second Reading, you and your friend can run a race.  If you are alone, then run a race with your guardian angel.  In your mind and heart, "translate" the finish line into eternal life with Jesus.  You put everything into winning a foot race.  Well, let us put our whole heart into running   towards eternal life.  Stay focused on this eternal goal, says Paul.
     A past negative event can also be distracting, in which case one may find it helpful to talk with a parent or mentor or receive healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  With God, every day is new!  Everyday God is doing something new!  We want to be part of this newness, either enjoying the freshness ourselves or bringing refreshment to others.  Literally, offer glasses of water to family members this week as an exercise towards becoming aware that God uses us as conduits of His graces.
     In the Gospel, the people bring to Jesus a woman who has sinned and who,        because of her sin, may be condemned to death. What did Jesus write in the sand that quelled the anger of the elders and caused them to walk away?  The Gospel does not say. My guess is Jesus started to write the sins of the men who brought the woman.  When the elders saw their own sins, they were embarrassed and departed.  That's just a guess.  You may have another suggestion as to what Jesus wrote.
     I imagine the compassion of Jesus towards the woman.  Jesus awaits us in the  Sacrament of Reconciliation with the same forgiveness He bestowed on the woman in the Gospel.  Remember last Sunday's Gospel of the father forgiving and welcoming his prodigal son.  Try to celebrate God's forgiveness in the Sacrament before Easter, but be sure to do so within the Easter season.  The Gospel Acclamation, included on the picture page, can serve as a reminder.  God bless you.     _______________________________________
Sunday's Readings:     Isaiah 43:16-21
                                     Psalm 126
                                     Philippians 3:8-14
                                     John 8:1-11