Uncovered - April 3, 2022

Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. (John 8:3-4) These are a couple lines of our Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent. In other words, her sin was uncovered (and yes, it is most definitely not fair that the man was not also brought out on charges). Likely, being caught in the act, she probably wasn’t afforded the chance to cover up much, and likely she felt very exposed, vulnerable, ashamed and afraid.

 

We should all be able to relate to her, as we all have sinned, and we all have parts of ourselves we might be ashamed of and that we’d rather cover up and not be exposed to the world. It is part of being fallen since Adam and Eve who after eating the forbidden fruit were ashamed of being naked and covered themselves. 

 

Yet, in that terrible moment for this woman, Jesus enters the scene, and does not judge her but instead shows compassion and mercy. He says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Jesus also, as we know, will himself on the cross be stripped and exposed to the world. However, with Jesus there is no shame. He doesn’t shame the woman. He is not ashamed to be stripped and nailed to a cross. “For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) The word for “despise” really means “not to be concerned about” or “not to fear”. Jesus is not about shame! Instead, the corrupt powers of sin and the enemy (and in Jesus’ day the leaders accusing the woman caught in adultery and the Roman Empire) use shame to enslave us. Jesus through forgiveness, compassion, and solidarity with us, takes away shame and gives us freedom.

 

This week of Lent it is traditional to begin covering up sacred images. This is not because we are ashamed of them, but instead we are stripping away much that is decorative to face the harsh reality of Jesus on the cross. The most sacred of all images, is your own body & soul, for you are made in the image and likeness of God. Instead of covering ourselves (please continue to wear clothes), let us expose the things about ourselves we feel shame to Jesus, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but also in our prayer. Jesus does not condemn us, but instead loves us, and sets us free. May the Lord grant you this gift this Lent.

 

Peace,

 

P. S. Reminder of times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during remainder of Lent.

In most all churches throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm. 

 

 

Communal Penance Services:

 

3pm @ Cure’ of Ars, Queen of the Holy Rosary-Overland Park, St. Agnes

7:30pm @ St. Paul’s

7pm @ Holy Cross, Holy Trinity, Holy Spirit, St. Michael

7pm @ Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Ascension

7pm @ St. Joseph, Divine Mercy, Sacred Heart-Shawnee, St. Pius X

3pm @ Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea, St. Ann, St. John Paul II, 3pm

7pm @ Nativity