April 3rd, Mr. Julian Ohizu: Theology Teacher/Campus Minister

April 3, 2022: Fifth Sunday of Lent
Mr. Julian Ohizu: Theology Teacher/Campus Minister
Is. 43:16-21; Phil.3.8-14; Jn. 8:1-11.
This is just a short reflection as we live through this fifth Sunday in Lent. In the past, God
manifested a miracle at the Red Sea where His chosen people were saved, and the enemies of the
chosen people ended up in total annihilation and unprecedented destruction. The same God in
today’s first reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah wish to let us know that the later
miracle (salvation of soul) will supersede the former.
The Gospel demonstrates in full the mission of Jesus Christ, which is to save the lost and not to
condemn humankind. Thus, Jesus sets and example for us, teaching us not to stone the lost ones
among our community. Many Christians are like the crowds who keep stones handy looking for
someone to assassinate either in character or in life. If God should publicize our sins, all men and
women would die by stoning. If God counts our sins and punishes us according to our
transgressions, no one will live. Because we are collectively and relatively struggling to be
sinless.
Today, let us desist in carrying stones for others who had failed in frailty. This is because the
type of stone one carried for others may be the one carried for you. Therefore, remember the
GOLDEN RULE.
My prayer is that those who persistently carry stones in their hands to stone others, recognize
that all of humankind have fallen under the weight of original sin and in need of the salvation of
God. Today is an opportunity for us to repent of our sins and self-righteousness and seek for the
forgiveness which Christ alone gives. This fifth week in Lent is an opportunity for us to do so
and seek the forgiveness of sins through the sacrament of reconciliation as we approach the
holiest week of the year “Holy Week.” May God bless us all as we recognize our fallen nature
and seek for ways to receive forgiveness from God and from others.