Reflections from the Heart – April 6, 2025

5th Sunday of Lent
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” At times, we seek and speak of things in such broad and general terms that the words seem to be lost in translation or become watered down in transmission or the purpose of its intention seems to be softened. It then has little or no effect or impact. We tend to say things like, “that always happens to me” or “I never did this or that”. However, if we take a closer look and consider a specific incident or a particular time in our life prior to a change or conversion, then we most likely cannot say that we never or always do this or that but simply did just that one time. Whenever we try to oversimplify or understate words, terms or situations by using general or broad terms, we can fail to see a particular moment in time that can or should implicate and include ourselves. We tend to overgeneralize our opinions and beliefs of ourselves and of others. We say things like, “those people always are typically a particular way” or we place our emphasis on a particular group by stating they, meaning all of them, will never understand this or that without considering the majority, the minority or the exception to the rule. Jesus came in Spirit and Truth and continues to come in Word and Sacrament to make all things new. It is not a broad or general statement but true in nature and accurate in fact. Jesus came and continues to come to restore all things, renew all people, recover all that was lost and renew all things in and through himself. Jesus does not come to change us but rather to renew us. To make us new and whole once again. Change in general terms describes a conversion. When change occurs, something is different like when Jesus changed water into wine or when Satan asked Jesus to turn a stone into bread. However, Jesus is doing something new, something different. His generous call to conversion is for the person to turn around, stop heading in the wrong direction, and make a full return to the Lord. Rather than changing you into a different person, Jesus returns you through the waters of baptism, cleansing you from old and evil ways, recovering what was lost through disobedience and sin, restoring you to the divine image, likeness and friendship of God. Renewing your life by his, back to being you again.