“See, I am doing something new.” Isaiah 43:19
Death Valley burst into bloom in 2024, thanks to abundant rains the previous year, early rains that January, and cool temperatures. Everything was just right for the hottest and dryest place to come alive with a brilliant display of color. Seeds that had lain dormant burst unto bloom, and the desert was transformed into a garden.
God’s touch can transform our hearts and lives in an even more profound way. He has planted the seeds of love in our hearts, and even when those seeds lie dormant, or seem to be completely dried up, he can bring them to life in ways we would never imagine.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus bends down to trace with his finger in the dry dust. There is no indication of what he wrote. Perhaps he began to write the sins of those who were accusing the woman caught in adultery. They found her in the dry and lifeless desert – a place without love. It goes without saying that adultery is not a solitary sin, yet only the woman is accused and brought to shame. “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.”
This crowd only sought to accuse and punish this woman. Jesus reaches out to her with mercy, calling her back to to life. The possibility of repentance and renewal, like those seeds lying dormant in the desert, was always there for her – and for us.
Jesus’ finger was not stretched out in condemnation, but to bring life-giving mercy and grace. Last week, we answered the Holy Father’s invitation to offer 24 hours of Confession, an outpouring of mercy readily available to all. This fountain of mercy is always open to us. In the coming weeks, other opportunities for this life-giving sacrament will take place in every church throughout the diocese, from 4-8 pm on Friday, April 11 and 9 am-12 pm on Saturday, April 12.
In the place where we see only dryness and death, the Lord’s touch brings life in the desert. Where we see only regret for the past, he “does something new.” Let the Lord do “something new” in your life. Come and experience his healing touch, so the desert of your heart can burst forth with new life.
-Fr. Tom
