Guérir le Cœur Blessé : l'Enseignement de Jésus sur l'Adultère et le Chemin vers la pureté du Cœur

Dans Matthieu 5 : 27-32, Jésus nous livre l’un de ses enseignements les plus cruciaux concernant le caractère sacré du mariage et la gravité de l’adultère. Pour comprendre cet enseignement dans son contexte historique et biblique, il est essentiel de retracer les racines des relations humaines et la manière dont elles ont été affectées par le péché depuis la chute d'Adam et Ève.

Contexte historique et biblique

La chute et ses conséquences

Dans le récit de la Genèse, Dieu crée Adam et Ève et les place dans le jardin d’Eden, dans l’intention qu’ils vivent en parfaite harmonie avec Lui et entre eux. Leur relation est conçue pour être une relation d’amour mutuel, de respect et de collaboration. Cependant, la chute, décrite dans Genèse 3, introduit le péché dans le monde, modifiant fondamentalement les relations humaines.

Après avoir mangé le fruit défendu, Adam et Ève éprouvent de la honte et de la culpabilité, ce qui entraîne la rupture de leur relation. Adam blâme Ève, et la relation harmonieuse dont ils entretenaient autrefois est entachée d'accusations et de méfiance. Cet événement crée un précédent pour les luttes de pouvoir, de domination et de séduction qui ont caractérisé de nombreuses relations humaines à travers l’histoire.

L'adultère dans l'Ancien Testament

L'adultère est explicitement condamné dans l'Ancien Testament, notamment dans les Dix Commandements (Exode 20 :14). Cela est considéré non seulement comme un péché contre le conjoint, mais aussi comme une violation de l'alliance de Dieu. Les conséquences de l'adultère étaient graves, entraînant souvent la peine de mort (Lévitique 20 : 10). Cela souligne la gravité avec laquelle l’adultère était considéré dans l’ancienne société israélite.

L'enseignement de Jésus dans Matthieu 5 : 27-32

Dans le Sermon sur la montagne, Jésus aborde la question de l'adultère de manière profonde et radicale. Il dit:

« Vous avez entendu qu'il a été dit : 'Tu ne commettras pas d'adultère.' Mais moi, je vous dis que quiconque regarde une femme avec convoitise a déjà commis un adultère avec elle dans son cœur. Si ton œil droit te fait pécher, arrache-le et jette-le. Car il vaut mieux que vous perdiez un de vos membres plutôt que tout votre corps soit jeté en enfer. Et si ta main droite te fait pécher, coupe-la et jette-la. Car il vaut mieux que vous perdiez un de vos membres plutôt que tout votre corps aille en enfer. »

Un appel radical à la pureté

L'enseignement de Jésus va au-delà de l'acte physique de l'adultère pour s'attaquer à la racine du problème : l'état du cœur. Il souligne que les pensées lubriques sont équivalentes à l’adultère, élevant ainsi le niveau de pureté. Jésus ne se préoccupe pas seulement des actions extérieures mais aussi des intentions intérieures. Cet enseignement nous met au défi d’examiner nos cœurs et nos motivations, appelant à un engagement radical envers la pureté et la sainteté. C'est pour ces raisons que Jésus a dit : « Bienheureux ceux qui ont le cœur pur, car ils verront Dieu » (Mt 5, 8).

Réflexion spirituelle pour aujourd'hui

Reconnaître nos brisures :

Il est important de reconnaître d’abord la blessure que le péché d’Adam e d’Eve a introduit dans les relations humaines. Depuis lors, les relations entre hommes et femmes sont souvent caractérisées par des luttes de pouvoir, de domination et de séduction, plutôt que par l’amour et le respect mutuels. Comprendre ce contexte historique peut nous aider à reconnaître la profondeur de nos luttes et la nature omniprésente du péché.

Rechercher la transformation à travers le Christ

L'enseignement de Jésus dans Matthieu 5 : 27-32 concerne en fin de compte la transformation. C’est un appel à prêter attention à ce qui se passe au plus profond de notre cœur. C'est pour cette raison que Jésus présente la loi de pureté comme une transformation du cœur et pas seulement comme des observances extérieures des lois, (Matthieu 15 : 19-20). Il ne s’agit pas simplement d’un appel à éviter les actions pécheresses, mais d’une invitation à rechercher un cœur et un esprit renouvelés. « Tu adoreras le Seigneur ton Dieu de tout ton cœur…cfr Deutéronome 6 : 4-7»,. Cette transformation est possible grâce à une relation avec Jésus-Christ, qui offre le pardon et le pouvoir de vaincre le péché. En nous concentrant sur Lui, nous pouvons trouver la force de résister aux pensées et aux comportements lubriques.

Embrasser l’amour et le respect mutuels

Un aspect clé pour surmonter la lutte contre la luxure et l’adultère consiste à adopter l’idéal biblique de relations basées sur l’amour et le respect mutuels. Cela implique de considérer les autres comme étant créés à l’image et à la ressemblance de Dieu, méritant dignité et honneur. Cela nécessite également un engagement à la maîtrise de soi et la poursuite de pensées et d’actions pures. Cela est possible lorsque nous collaborons à la grâce de Dieu qui nous est donnée par le Saint-Esprit. Galates 5, 22-26 nous aident à comprendre comment l’Esprit de Dieu nous aident découvrir et vivre de cette liberté intérieure d’aimer en esprit et en vérité.

Quelques étapes pratiques pour la pureté intérieure

1.    Prière et méditation : La prière et la méditation régulières sur les Écritures peuvent nous aider à aligner leur cœur et leur esprit sur la volonté de Dieu.

2.    Responsabilité : Pour les couples mariés, avoir un partenaire responsable peut apporter soutien et encouragement dans la lutte contre ce péché.

3.    Protéger les yeux et l'esprit : Être attentif à ce que l'on regarde, lit et pense peut aider à prévenir les pensées lubriques. Parce que la lampe du corps c’est l’œil, dit Jesus. (Cfr Matthieu 6 :22).

4.    Soutien communautaire : Faire partie d'une communauté chrétienne où on se soutient et s’encouragent mutuellement peut fournir les ressources nécessaires pour vivre ce que Jésus nous enseigne aujourd’hui.

En reconnaissant notre fragilité introduite par le péché d’Adam et Eve, et en recherchant la transformation du cœur en Christ, nous pouvons vaincre le péché de la luxure et de l’adultère. Jésus veut vraiment que nous soyons heureux, que nous vivions une vie épanouie, libres de toute forme d'esclavage dont le péché est une terrible expression. Rappelons-nous que « Heureux les purs d'esprit, car ils verront Dieu ». Que Dieu nous donne la grâce de faire de notre cœur sa demeure et de nos yeux capables de voir les autres et le monde avec un amour semblable à celui du Christ.

 

Healing the Heart: Jesus’ Teaching on Adultery and the Path to Purity (5:27-32).

 

In Matthew 5:27-32, Jesus delivers one of His most challenging teachings regarding the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of adultery. To understand this teaching in its historical and biblical context, it is essential to trace the roots of human relationships and how they have been affected by sin since the fall of Adam and Eve.

Historical and Biblical Context

The Fall and Its Consequences

In the Genesis account, God creates Adam and Eve and places them in the Garden of Eden, intending for them to live in perfect harmony with Him and with each other. Their relationship is designed to be one of mutual love, respect, and collaboration. However, the fall, described in Genesis 3, introduces sin into the world, fundamentally altering human relationships.

After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve experience shame and guilt, leading to a breakdown in their relationship. Adam blames Eve, and the harmonious relationship they once enjoyed is marred by accusations and mistrust. This event sets a precedent for the power struggles, domination, and seduction that have characterized many human relationships throughout history.

Adultery in the Old Testament

Adultery is explicitly condemned in the Old Testament, notably in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14). It is seen not only as a sin against one's spouse but also as a violation of God's covenant. The consequences of adultery were severe, often resulting in the death penalty (Leviticus 20:10). This underscores the gravity with which adultery was viewed in ancient Israelite society.

Jesus' Teaching in Matthew 5:27-32

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of adultery in a profound and radical way. He says:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”

A Radical Call to Purity

Jesus' teaching goes beyond the physical act of adultery to address the root of the issue: the condition of the heart. He emphasizes that lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery, thus raising the standard of purity. Jesus is not merely concerned with outward actions but with inner intentions. This teaching challenges His listeners to examine their hearts and motives, calling for a radical commitment to purity and holiness. It is for these reasons that Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).  

Spiritual Reflection for Today

Acknowledging the Brokenness

For those struggling with the sin Jesus denounces, it is important to first acknowledge the brokenness that sin has introduced into human relationships. Since the fall, relationships between men and women have often been characterized by power struggles, domination, and seduction, rather than mutual love and respect. Understanding this historical context can help us recognize the depth of our struggles and the pervasive nature of sin.

Seeking Transformation through Christ

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-32 is ultimately about transformation. It is a call to pay attention to what is happening deep down in the heart. It is for this reason that Jesus presents the law of purity as transformation of the heart and not just external observances (Matthew 15:19-20). It is not merely a call to avoid sinful actions but an invitation to seek a renewed heart and mind. “You shall worship the Lord your God with all your heart…”, cfr Deuteronomy 6: 4-7. This transformation is possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and the power to overcome sin. By focusing on Him, we can find the strength to resist lustful thoughts and behaviors.

Embracing Mutual Love and Respect

A key aspect of overcoming the struggle with lust and adultery is embracing the biblical ideal of relationships based on mutual love and respect. This involves seeing others as made in the image and likeness of God, deserving of dignity and honor. It also requires a commitment to self-control and the pursuit of pure thoughts and actions. This is possible when we collaborate with the grace of God given to us through the Holy Spirit.Galatians 5:22-26 help us to understand how the Spirit of God helps us to discover and live this inner freedom to love in spirit and in truth.

Practical Steps for Purity

1.    Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture can help us align their hearts and minds with God's will.

2.    Accountability: For married couples, having an accountability partner can provide support and encouragement in the struggle against sin.

3.    Guarding the Eyes and Mind: Being mindful of what one watches, reads, and thinks about can help prevent lustful thoughts. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

4.    Community Support: Being part of a Christian community where we support and encourage each other can provide the necessary resources to live what Jesus teaches us today.

Conclusion

Jesus' teaching on adultery in today’s Gospel offers us   a profound call to purity that addresses the heart of human relationships. By understanding the historical and biblical context, acknowledging our brokenness introduced by sin, and seeking transformation through Christ, we can overcome the sin of lust and adultery.  Jesus really wants us to be happy, live a fulfilled life, free from every form of slavery of which sin is a terrible expression. Let’s remember that “Happy are the Pure in Spirit, for they shall see God”.  May God give us the grace to make of our hearts His dwelling place and our eyes capable of seeing others and the world with Christ-like love.

 

Fulfilling the Laws and the Prophets: the Path of Liberation and Peace with Jesus.” Matthew 5:20-26

 

In this Gospel, we are still with Jesus and his disciples on the mountain. Jesus introduces a new topic in his message: the fulfillment of the Law. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Today, Jesus is teaching us the meaning of this statement and how the law is and has to be accomplished. Let us remember that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on the mountain. Jesus, as the new Moses, gives his teaching on a mountain. He says: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…”

Hearing this, one could exclaim, “Oh, many of us are liable to judgment.” Who among us has not, at one time, gotten angry with his brother or even with someone not close to us? So, what exactly does Christ Jesus want us to understand in his teaching?

I would suggest that Jesus wants us to look at the root of problems in human relations. He makes an outstanding connection between anger and murder. A small sin can lead to a greater one. Where do anger, rage, bitterness, resentment, and other similar acts start? They all begin in the heart. (Jesus will return to this teaching in Matthew 15:19.)

When anger, resentment, and other evil thoughts are left unchecked and uncontrolled, they can lead us to more serious sins. Let us remember the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-16: “…The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.'” God warned Cain, but he refused to listen; he refused to rule over sin, to conquer the anger within him. This was the beginning of a failed fraternity.

Often, before we commit sins, especially grave ones, God warns us through the “inner voice,” the voice of conscience. In our world today, this is one of the areas where the devil is fighting seriously to eradicate the sense of sin and guilt. Thus, we become so busy with so many things that little or no time is given to meditate on the Word of God and see how it enlightens our life.  The consequence is self-righteousness and relativism.

In the letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul says: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-32) In other words, we should try to reconcile with ourselves and others as soon as possible, before it becomes too late.

Again, Christ says: “Whoever says to his brother 'Raqa' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says 'You fool' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.” Raqa is an Aramaic term meaning “empty-headed” or “worthless.” It is similar to a curse that calls into question a person's mental capacity. For Jesus, this is an example of an angry outburst of name-calling. When anger leads us to insulting others, such sin can give birth to a more grievous sin like murder. Unkind words can wound the soul so deeply that, if not healed, can hatch and lead to another evil like vengeance. The pain is even worse when the hurt is caused by a loved one, a relative, a friend, etc.

The end of the Gospel tells us that reconciliation with one another is more important than the offerings we bring to God. Words are powerful; they can uplift others but also harm and destroy others. That is why Jesus asks us to be reconciled with our brother or sister before presenting our offering to God. If in any way the union of love with those around me has been wounded, Jesus is saying that I have to repair it by seeking reconciliation. So let us hold no grudges against anyone.

If I love as Jesus asked me to do, I will be the first to seek reconciliation even if I am the one offended. As St. Paul said, “But God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

We know that Christ’s teaching in Matthew 5 is quite challenging, yet it is a way to liberation, to real life, a life of love, peace, and joy. Let us try to be kind and merciful to others. Use kind words instead of hurtful ones.

In our prayers and especially during Masses, let us bring all those who have hurt us and those whom we have hurt to God. May Jesus, the Word of eternal life, speak words of peace and love to our hearts and heal any wounded heart. Amen.

 

 

 

FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST: WE ARE PEOPLE OF COVENANT OF LOVE.

 

Today’s first reading talks about God’s covenant with the Israelites through his servant Moses. After reading the ordinances of the Lord, the people with one gave their consent saying: “We will do everything that the Lord has told us.”. What did the Lord tell them? The 10 Commandments or Gift of 10 Words. The sign or symbol of this covenant were: an altar with 12 pillars representing the 12 tribes of Israel, and sacrifice of animals. Moses took half of the blood of the animal and splashed on the altar, and on the people saying “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of His.

In this feast of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, I invite us to focus on this idea of Covenant, its symbols, the power of words pronounced. God’s covenant with the Israelites lasted for years until the appointed time, when God concluded a New Covenant in his Son Jesus Christ.

 Every Christian enters this relation of covenant of Love by Baptism. Some of us were baptised as infants. Those married reinforce this covenant of Love by the promise made during the cerebration of their union of Love. For those who are religious, this covenant relation is given a new meaning by vows: we become consecrated persons: set apart for Christ and His Gospel. We all promise faithfulness to God, renounce satan and his works.  

The letter to the Hebrew underlines the uniqueness of the new covenant God concluded in Christ with us: Jesus offered himself as a victim for expiation of sins. He is the mediator of a new covenant.

Holy Thursday: we remember that on the eve of his passion, during the last super, Jesus concluded a New Covenant with all his followers. From that very moment, everyday, the Church celebrated the gift of the Body and Blood of CHRIST repeating the words of consecration saying: “Take this all of you and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the New and Eternal Covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”

This is the greatest prove of God’s love for us: “No greater love than this: to give one’s life for his friends”, say the Lord. The celebration of this solemnity is an invitation for us to meditate deeply on the Holy Eucharist. Are we always aware of the price Jesus paid to save us? Jesus rescued us by his sufferings, death and resurrection. How do I prepare myself to encounter Jesus in each Mass, receive His most holy body and blood? Do I find time to talk with him? Is Jesus really a friend or someone I heard of several times but who remains a stranger to me?

Think about what I am going to say now: “Each time we receive the body of Christ, we become moving tabernacles because Jesus dwells in us.” All of us who receive his body, are invited to welcome her like Mother Mary at the moment of Incarnation, when the Word took flesh in Her womb. 

In the Eucharist, Jesus reveals himself as God of Love. He is not only present in the Holy Eucharist; He is the Holy Eucharist. The Mass we celebrate is Him, the blood we drink the flesh we eat is him. We remember Jesus said in John 6:53 “Truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves.”

It has been the eternal longing of Christ to give himself to us wholly and entirely. He gives himself entirely to us in the Eucharist, a gift of all that he has and is in the simplest and most comprehensive manner. He gives himself to us in order to save and service us, redeem us from sin and unite us to himself: “whoever eats my blood and drinks my blood dwell in me and I in him”, John 6, 56.

Jesus gives himself to us in order to unite us to the Father, so that the Holy Spirit will live in us.  He gives himself to us to unite us with all in heaven, the angels and saints. He gives himself to us in order to change us, recreate us, change the face of the earth.

For this reason, all those who participate in the Eucharist devotedly with open hearts and mind are completely renewed. They are taken in an unapproachable light, wonderful light. They are all purified and sanctified. Their hearts are set on fire like the disciples of Emmaus. It is this fire of love that will cleanse the world of evil, remove every taint of hatred, wickedness and sin. Remember Jesus said: “I have come to set fire on earth and how I wish it were burning.” Is the fire of his love burning in our hearts? 

Think about this today: I believe that all us, we want to go to heaven. Do we realise that in the Eucharist, it is heaven that comes to us?  In heaven we hope to see God. Right?  God has made himself visible to us in the simplest manner in the Eucharist.

He is our Heaven. He Heaven in our midst. Do we expect to meet any person more glorious in Heaven than Christ? Do we expect to get a joy more glorious in Heaven than from Christ? The promise of Christ to be with us always until the end of times is fulfilled in a very unique way through the gift of His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

The worst sin of the Church, the worst sin of Christians, the worst sin is the neglect of Love of Jesus for us, especially in the Holy Eucharist. Do you know the worst sins of Priest?

   To celebrate the Holy Eucharist without Love. Any celebration of the Holy EUCHARIST without Love is worse than the crucifixion of Jesus.  This is the reason why Priest should never rush mass. And the faithful should never ask them to rush mass because they want to other things.

   The worst sin of Christians is lack of belief in Christ’s Love in the Holy Eucharist. The worst danger to Christians today is forgetfulness of what Jesus has done and what he has suffered for us in the Holy Eucharist. The worst danger to the existence of the world is the abolition of the Holy Eucharist.

Any move by any person or group of persons to remove or reduce the Love people should have for the Holy Eucharist is not from God. Any move by any person to remove or reduce the respect, the worship, the honour given to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is not from God.

The same enemy of Christ who was active in Judas Iscariot, blaming Mary for anointing the Body of Christ with precious oil, is active in the world, doing everything possible so that Jesus may not be honored and loved in the Eucharist.  To unite our sacrifice to the Sacrifice of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is the greatest sacrifice we can make. To spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist, in the tabernacle, is the greatest possible act, the glorious act human being can perform in the world.

The greatest action of the Holy Spirit is the Incarnation and transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood. The greatest joy of Mother Mary is to bring people to the Holy Eucharist - You remember the miracle at Kana. That miracle is a miracle that points to the Holy Eucharist. What did Mother Mary say: DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU!

The Holy Eucharist depends on Christ, and on Christ alone. But us benefiting from it depends on our Love, our Faith, our Hope in Him.

Anybody who receives the Holy Eucharist with Love, purity and holiness is automatically in the company of the angels and saints. 

So, let us meditate on this great mystery: the source and summit of the life of the Church. Let's try to keep this covenant of Love by observing God's commandments and we will experience God's faithfulness to His promises at all times! 

 

Strengthened by Divine Covenant: God’s Promise and our Response.

In today's first reading, (Deuteronomy 4:32-40), we hear God speak to the Israelites, and his message is also relevant to us today. Through Moses, God asks the Israelites to be aware of their identity: who they are, what God has done for them, and the consequences of God's call. They are God's chosen people, elected to reveal Himself to the world. Because of this, God saved them from their enemies.

Being aware of their identity has several implications for the Israelites. First, they should fix their hearts on the LORD as the one and only true God. This means avoiding any form of idolatry, the gravest sin before God. As Christians, it is important  that we examine our lives always: "is there any idol in my life?  Anything that takes the rightful place of God in my life become my idol. And this  become an obstacle in my relationship with God. Therefore, identifying my idoles and getting rid of them is key step in our spiritual life and growth.

 Second, the Israelites are to keep God's statues and commandments, not just themselves, but also their children and household.  We have here one of the primary duties of Parents: Faith upbringing and education of their children. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children, in words and actions, who God is and who they are. This is vital because children are gifts from God entrusted to the care of parents. 

Today, in many parts of the world, the transmission of faith within the family, which is supposed to be the “domestic church, where children learn to pray, to relate to God and have a sense of purpose, is in crisis.  Parents are really struggling to fulfill this mission, and some have already abdicated because they themselves no longer believe. As a result, children grow up lost and confused, and society bombards them with ideologies that can be brainwashing.

The third consequence of awareness is connected to the divine promise: by keeping God's commandments, Israelites will prosper and have a long life in the land He has given them forever. This same promise is relevant for us also. We can be sure that God is always faithful to His promises. In Psalm 81:13, we read: "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, 14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" Those who live their Christian faith with consciousness of the “Divine Covenant” and really try to be faithful to it, benefit from special divine protection and favour. For there is no way God will not protect those who put their trust in Him and answer their prayers. Let's remember here what St James wrote: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effectives", James 5:16-17. To be a righteous person does not mean to be without sin ( Proverb 24: 16) rather it means authentically and humbly believing in God as Abraham and many others did. 

Therefore, it's important for us to try to keep God’s commandments and follow His ways, revealed to us through Jesus Christ.  This becomes possible by constantly reminding ourselves that God has made a covenant with each of us, with our families: "He is our God, and we are His children." (Jeremiah 32:38). When we remember this convenant with God, our Consecration realized first through baptism and consecration then we will avoid sins and occasions of sins; we will deploy our energy in living the commandment of love: Of God that is trinity of Love and of others, including the ennemies. 

God the Father created the Universe, Christ the son came to reveal God the Father and save the Universe, and the Holy Spirit continues to divine revelation and salvation.  St Paul in the second reading tells us that “we have received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry “Abba, Father!”. I encourage us to meditate more on the prayer of “Our Father, who art in heaven”, say it slowly and meditatively today and in the coming day!

          Jesus himself said in the Gospel today, "Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the ages!"  Because of this, no matter the challenges we face, we can be sure that God is with us and will always fulfill His promises.  May we find renewed strength for our lives and faith today in the word of God, especially in Psalm 138:3: "When I called, you answered me; you made my soul grow strong."

Contempler la Profondeur de l'Amour et du Pardon du Christ : Du Reniement du Pierre à sa Restauration (Jean 21, 15-19).

La paix et l'amour de Jésus-Christ ressuscité soient avec vous, chères sœurs et frères en Christ !!!

Aujourd'hui, nous réfléchissons sur un moment profond et émouvant de l'Évangile de Jean, chapitre 21, versets 15 à 19. Ce passage nous présente une rencontre personnelle entre Jésus et Pierre, une rencontre qui nous parle de pardon, de restauration et l'amour profond que Jésus a pour chacun de nous.

Pour planter le décor, ce passage se déroule après la résurrection de Jésus. Les disciples sont au bord de la mer de Galilée, après avoir partagé une pêche miraculeuse et un petit-déjeuner avec le Seigneur ressuscité. Dans ce décor à la fois ordinaire et extraordinaire, Jésus se tourne vers Pierre et lui demande : « Simon, fils de Jean, m'aimes-tu plus que ceux-ci ?

La question de Jésus transperce les couches du cœur de Pierre. Rappelons que Pierre avait renié Jésus à trois reprises durant la nuit de son arrestation. Peter, qui avait autrefois déclaré sa loyauté inébranlable, s'est retrouvé brisé par ses propres faiblesses et sa peur. Il était trop sur de lui-même ; il comptait sur ses propres forces.  En ce moment, Jésus ne cherche pas d’informations mais offre une invitation : une chance pour Pierre de faire face à son échec et de trouver la rédemption.

« Simon, fils de Jean, m'aimes-tu plus que ceux-ci ? demande Jésus. Pierre répond : « Oui, Seigneur, tu sais que je t'aime. » Jésus dit alors : « Pais mes agneaux ».

Cet échange se répète encore deux fois, plongeant chaque fois plus profondément dans l'âme de Peter. À chaque question, Pierre ressent le poids de ses dénégations passées, mais aussi la profonde opportunité de réconciliation. La troisième fois, Pierre est attristé et répond : « Seigneur, tu sais tout ; tu sais que je t'aime." La réponse de Jésus reste cohérente : « Pais mes brebis ».

En présentant ce dialogue, Jean souligne le fait que dans les deux premières fois, Jésus utilise le mot grec ἀγαπάω (agapaō). Chaque fois que Pierre répondait en utilisant l'expression φιλέω (phileō ). Agape (ἀγαπάω) fait référence à un amour altruiste, inconditionnel et sacrificiel. Il est souvent décrit comme une sorte d’amour radical ou divin. Tandis que Philia (φιλέω ) représente un amour d'amitié, d'affection ou de lien étroit. C'est plus émotionnel. Jésus recherche un engagement plus profond de la part de Pierre, un amour qui reflète l'amour (agape) de Dieu. Tandis que Pierre exprime une véritable affection (philia). Jésus enfin accepté l'amour de l'amitié que Peter offre lui.

Ici, nous sommes témoins de la tendre miséricorde du Christ. Jésus ne se contente pas de pardonner à Pierre ; Il est en train de le restaurer. Chaque affirmation d'amour de Pierre correspond à ses dénégations précédentes, effaçant symboliquement sa culpabilité et le remettant en service. Jésus confie à Pierre le soin de ses disciples, soulignant que l'amour pour le Christ doit s'exprimer à travers le service et le berger de son peuple.

Ce passage nous appelle à réfléchir sur nos propres vies. Combien de fois avons-nous, comme Pierre, échoué à respecter nos engagements et nos convictions en tant que chrétiens, disciples de Jésus ? Combien de fois avons-nous laissé la peur, le doute ou le péché créer un gouffre entre nous et notre Sauveur Jésus-Christ ? Pourtant, dans cette histoire, nous trouvons de l’espoir. Jésus ne nous abandonne pas dans nos échecs. Au lieu de cela, il nous cherche, nous invitant à réaffirmer notre amour pour lui et nous réengageant dans sa mission chaque jour.

Remarquez également la nature de l’amour que Jésus demande à Pierre. C'est un amour qui va au-delà des mots et des sentiments ; cela exige une action : « Nourrissez mes agneaux, soignez mes moutons. » Notre amour pour Jésus doit se manifester dans la manière dont nous prenons soin les uns des autres, dont nous servons ceux qui sont dans le besoin et dont nous nourrissons la foi des autres. C’est un appel à être des bergers à part entière, dans toutes les capacités possibles, au sein de nos familles, de nos communautés, nos lieux de travail et de notre monde.

Enfin, Jésus préfigure l'avenir de Pierre, faisant allusion aux sacrifices qu'il fera. « Quand tu étais plus jeune, tu attachais ta propre ceinture et tu allais où tu voulais. Mais quand tu seras vieux, tu étendras les mains, et quelqu'un d'autre attachera une ceinture autour de toi et t'emmènera là où tu ne veux pas aller. La prédiction de Jésus signifie le genre de mort par laquelle Pierre glorifierait Dieu. Ce rappel du sacrifice et de l’engagement s’adresse à nous tous, nous mettant au défi de considérer le coût de la vie de disciple et la profondeur de notre dévouement à suivre le Christ.

L'expérience de Pierre avec Jésus me rappelle le célèbre livre de Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Costly of Discipleship,[1] qu’il oppose à la «grâce à bas prix». Bonhoeffer décrit la grâce bon marché comme une grâce auto-accordée – prêchant le pardon sans repentance, le baptême sans discipline ecclésiale, la communion sans confession, l'absolution sans responsabilité personnelle.

La grâce bon marché est une grâce sans vivre en disciple, sans croix, sans Jésus-Christ vivant et incarné. C'est une grâce qui ne nous transforme pas et n'exige pas un changement de style de vie. Certains dans notre société acceptent volontiers de parler de la miséricorde de Dieu mais rejettent l'idée que cette miséricorde divine offre une chance de salut, une issue au péché (Romains 6 : 2).

Oui, il est important de se consoler dans la miséricorde illimitée de notre Seigneur, mais cela ne doit pas se faire dans une négligence totale du sacrifice de la Croix. Si nous aimons vraiment Jésus, nous garderons ses commandements (Jean 14 : 15-24). Inspirés par le parcours de Pierre, du déni à la restauration, comprenons qu'aucun échec n'est trop grand pour le pardon de Dieu. Et soyons poussés à l'action, en exprimant notre amour pour Jésus à travers notre souci des autres, en particulier des plus les plus vulnérables, les plus pauvres, les abandonnés dans notre société d'aujourd'hui.

Que la grâce de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ nous donne le pouvoir d’aimer plus profondément, de servir plus fidèlement et de le suivre de plus près, tous les jours de notre vie.

Amen🙏🙏🙏

 

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[1]Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, The Cost of Discipleship, traduit par RH Fuller, Rév. Ed. New York : Macmillan, 1963. (Initialement publié sous le titre Nachfolge en 1937).