Whenever we encounter a psalm like this, it is good to stop and ponder what great things God has done for us and why we are filled with joy.  Take a moment to stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help you make a list of all the great things God has done for you.  If you need a good starting point, go to the Scriptures for this weekend.  In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!”  God gives us hope in the midst of despair.  God makes all things new and brings renewal to our lives day by day.  When was the last time Jesus brought renewal or new hope to your life, especially in the midst of darkness?  Write that down.

Next we hear the second reading from St. Paul.  We find one of my favorite passages of all time: “I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”  Jesus actually has the power to change and transforms hearts…your heart!  The more we get to know Him, the more our hearts change and the more our desires change.  Things that use to be everything to us, might now—because of Jesus—be less important.  This isn’t a sort of depression; this is a realization of what is really important in life.  When was the last time your heart was transformed by Jesus?  Take some time to write that down.

Lastly, in the gospel, we encounter the beautiful story of the woman caught in adultery.  How does Jesus respond?  He doesn’t refuse to engage with the scribes and pharisees who condemn her but reminds them of who they are, all while challenging them to be more by letting Him work in their lives.  In the midst of the woman’s sinfulness, Jesus doesn’t condemn her, but rather lifts her up and calls her to a new way of living…a new life like we hear of in Isaiah.  This is the power of Jesus in our lives.  Just when we want to condemn ourselves and beat ourselves up for what we have done, Jesus comes into our midst, offers mercy and calls us to greatness.  When was the last time you encountered Jesus’ mercy and call to greatness?  Write that down.  The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy.  We need to take time to reflect on this, because if we don’t we will forget his stirrings and workings in our hearts, we will forget the joy that it is to have Jesus in our midst.  Be open to these next couple weeks as we approach Easter.  I am confident you will find many great things that He has done for us!

Be filled with joy,
Fr. Jeremy