Lent

Letting Go of the Past Embracing the New: A Message of Hope for a Broken World

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Introduction:

As we journey deeper into Lent, this weekend’s readings (Isaiah 43:16–21, Philippians 3:8–14, John 8:1–11) strike a profound chord with the cries of today’s world. In a time when so many feel weighed down by past regrets, social division, public shame, and even global despair, God’s Word offers us an invitation to let go—and to trust that He is doing something new. These readings are not just ancient texts—they are alive, relevant, and powerfully prophetic for our times.

First Reading – Isaiah 43:16–21: “See, I am doing something new!”

The prophet Isaiah speaks to a people once exiled, defeated, and demoralized. Sound familiar? Much like today’s world, where wars rage on, economies falter, and personal struggles feel like wilderness deserts, Isaiah’s message still resonates:

“Remember not the events of the past… I am doing something new.”

We are urged not to dwell on former things—be it personal sins, systemic failures, or societal wounds—but to look forward with hope. God promises not only deliverance, but transformation: “Now it springs forth—do you not perceive it?”

Connection to Today:
In a world bombarded with reminders of past mistakes—cancel culture, unforgiveness, broken political systems—this is a call for renewal. Whether you’re grieving your own failures, or the world’s deep brokenness, God promises streams in the wasteland. He is creating a path of hope, even in the driest places.

Supporting Scripture:

Revelation 21:5 – “Behold, I make all things new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Second Reading – Philippians 3:8–14: “Forgetting what lies behind, I press on…”

Saint Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, knew what it meant to live with a shameful past. Yet he proclaims:

“I consider everything as loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

His eyes are fixed not on what he once was, but on what he is becoming in Christ. He’s not there yet—but he’s pressing forward, “forgetting what lies behind.”

Connection to Today:
This is a powerful word for those struggling with identity, guilt, failure, or a sense of not being good enough. In a society constantly looking backward—at resumes, records, and reputations—Paul offers a counter-cultural truth: What matters is not your past, but your pursuit of Christ.

Think of how many people today feel disqualified from faith, from leadership, or from joy, because of their past. Paul says: Press on.

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 8:1 – “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 – “His mercies are new every morning.”

Gospel – John 8:1–11: The Woman Caught in Adultery

This reading might be one of the most powerful stories of mercy and grace ever told. A woman caught in the act of adultery is dragged before Jesus by religious leaders. But where is the man? Why is she the only one condemned?

Jesus does not deny the law—but He challenges hypocrisy and shows mercy. His piercing words, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone,” speak volumes today.

Connection to Today:
We live in a judgment-heavy, mercy-light culture, where public shaming is rampant, and people’s worst moments are plastered across social media.

Jesus’s response should challenge us all. He doesn’t condone the sin, but He lifts the sinner, saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”

This Gospel is a call to be a people who:

Examine our own hearts before judging others,
Advocate for mercy in a world obsessed with punishment,
Believe that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.

Supporting Scripture:

Micah 6:8 – “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.”
James 2:13 – “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Real-World Application: Why This Matters Now

From wars and violence in Gaza and Ukraine, to political polarization, to the silent suffering of millions dealing with anxiety, addiction, or shame, these readings pierce the noise and offer a radical message: There is hope. There is mercy. There is new life.

Are you tired of your past mistakes?
God says: Let them go. I am doing something new.
Do you feel disqualified from grace?
Paul says: Press on toward the goal. You are not alone.
Do you judge others too quickly?
Jesus says: Let the one without sin cast the first stone.

These scriptures form a sacred call to rise up—not because we are perfect, but because God’s grace is enough.

Call to Action:

As we move toward Holy Week, let us each:

Let go of past guilt or shame.
Extend mercy, especially to those society has cast aside.
Focus our hearts on the new thing God is doing—in our lives, in our Church, in our world.

If you’ve been struggling with regret or despair, this is your invitation to hope again. If you’ve been quick to judge, it’s time to look inward. And if you feel too broken, remember: God makes rivers in deserts.

Conclusion:

This Fifth Sunday of Lent offers a powerful convergence of mercy, transformation, and forward movement. Let it stir your soul. Let it challenge your worldview. And most of all, let it give you hope.

Because no matter your past, in Christ, something new is always possible.