The scripture passages proposed for today's meditation present two cases that illustrate the great power of wrongdoing and the even greater power of forgiveness. The first case is that of Suzanna, the wife of Joakim. Falsely accused, she was brought to trial (Dan 13:28-41). Regardless of the fact that the evidence brought against her was false, Suzanna was powerless to mount an argument in her own favour. The gospel account presents a woman who has been caught in the act of adultery (Jn 8:3). Unlike the case of Suzanna, this woman was guilty and she was well aware of the consequences she faced under the Law. Like Suzanna, she too was powerless to mount an argument in her own favour. In both cases, these women needed the help of an advocate, someone on their side who would be willing to argue their case for them.
Is this not the case for us as well? The laws of our land have changed. Women are no longer powerless in this country, but there are still many people who need an advocate: someone on their side who is willing to argue their case for them. This is also true when we stand before God: we need an advocate to plead our cause, especially when we have sinned.
When we come before God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there is a part of us that can relate very well with the powerlessness of the two women mentioned in the scriptures today, but luckily for us, Jesus is waiting to welcome us. Like he did when the scribes and Pharisees brought the adulterous woman to him, he looks upon us with tender love. At times when others would accuse us, at times when we feel most powerless because we have sinned and know that we deserve punishment, he looks upon us with tender love. Jesus does not ignore the sins that we have committed, but neither does he use them to condemn us. His response is always: Go, and from now on, do not sin any more (Jn 8:11).
Let us pray today for the great grace to hear these words in the depth of our own hearts. Jesus speaks these words today to each one of us, offering us the great grace of forgiveness. This year, many of us are being invited to live our Lent in a very different way. The presence of the new coronavirus has caused many of us to be isolated within our own homes and as a result, even though we might want to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter, it is not possible. The Church is aware of the suffering we are enduring and wants to be close to us. Last Friday (20 March), some special provisions were outlined in order to make it possible for us to encounter the merciful heart of Jesus in preparation for Easter, and this past Friday, the Holy Father granted an indulgence to all those who participated in a moment of prayer that he led in Saint Peter's Square.
During the Mass he celebrated at the Casa Santa Marta on the morning of 20 March, Pope Francis said: I know that many of you go to celebrate confession before Easter, but many might say, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because I can't leave the house, and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want him to hug me. He is my Father. I want his embrace. How can I do that unless I find a priest? Do what the Catechism says. It is very clear. If you can't find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He is your Father. Tell him the truth: Lord, I did this and this and this. Forgive me. Ask him for pardon with all of your heart, with an act of contrition and promise him that afterwards, you will go to Confession, but do this and right away, you will return to God's grace. You yourself can draw near - as the Catechism teaches us - to God's forgiveness without having a priest at hand. This is a favoured moment, this is the right moment. An act of contrition that is well made. Thus, our souls become white as the snow.
Let us give thanks today for the great gift of God's mercy and let us celebrate today the power of his forgiveness.
Have a great day.
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