Lent Wk 5th: Monday 27th March, 2023 March 27, 2023
Reflection on the WORD
Sinners – God’s Mercy: In today’s Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees brought an adulteress, to seek Jesus’ view, as in the Law of Moses, she deserves to be stoned to death. Ponder on Jesus’ Words of Wisdom, 'Let anyone who has no sin cast the first stone' . . . Do we judge and condemn others, and are self-righteous about our own sins?
John 8:1-7, 9a
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in the middle they said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and in the Law Moses has ordered us to stone women of this kind. What have you got to say?’
They asked him this as a test, looking for an accusation to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he straightened up and said, ‘Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw a stone at her.’ When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until the last one had gone.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- In today’s Gospel Jesus challenges the religious leaders to stone the adulteress woman if they were without sin. Not a single one came forward as none of them was without guilt.
- Jesus’ attitude to sinners is one of love and forgiveness. He does not condemn sinners but shows them mercy and exhorts them not to sin again.
- Jesus loves us despite our imperfections. He pardons us unconditionally when we seek His forgiveness with a repentant heart. Have you experienced the joy of repentance and a clean conscience?