Gospel: John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area,
and all the people started coming to him,
and he sat down and taught them.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman
who had been caught in adultery
and made her stand in the middle.
They said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught
in the very act of committing adultery.
Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.
So what do you say?”
They said this to test him,
so that they could have some charge to bring against him.
Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
But when they continued asking him,
he straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
And in response, they went away one by one,
beginning with the elders.
So he was left alone with the woman before him.
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her,
“Woman, where are they?
Has no one condemned you?”
She replied, “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Kevin Bell RIP (OL)
Reflection:
Mr Joel Cadiz was my Religion teacher in Grade 5 (Year 6) in the Philippines. In one of his lessons, he discussed with us the importance and need for justice by highlighting the excesses of the ruling dictatorship in our country during that time. After the lesson, I approached him and asked, “Sir, do you hate the dictator?” He replied “I don’t hate the dictator. I hate what he is doing.”
In today’s Gospel, a woman caught in the act of adultery was brought to Jesus to test Him. Sensing the malice behind the Pharisees and scribes’ motives, Jesus challenged them: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Realizing that they were sinners, the woman’s accusers left her alone before the Lord. Jesus’ parting words to the woman, “Go, and from now on do not sin any more” shows us that Jesus hates the sin, but not the sinner. He knows how sin creates a gap between the sinner and God. Out of love, He bridges that gap so that the sinner would be reconciled with the Father. His love for sinners is so great that He offered His life on the cross so that sins would be forgiven. Jesus’ exhortation to the woman is also addressed to us. Let this season be a time for us to realize how Jesus loves us despite our sinfulness and being judgmental. Let us listen to His call to not sin anymore. Let us also be merciful and see other sinners the way Jesus looks at them.
- When you hate someone, do you hate that person, or do you hate the wrong they have done? Why or why not?
- “If a person is gay and seeks out the Lord and is willing, who am I to judge that person?” (Pope Francis) How judgmental are you to people who are often marginalized by society?
- “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…” How does this prayer inspire you when dealing with fellow sinners?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. As You have forgiven us, help us to be merciful to others and reach out to them. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Pray a rosary today for persons reluctant to go to confession.
(Pietro)
