Sunday, April 7 // Fifth Week of Lent

The 5th Sunday of Lent

Reading I: Isaiah 43:16-21
Responsorial 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel: John 8:1-11

Jesus is confronted by religious leaders who want to catch him in error. He cleverly, humanely and without judgment invites those among them who are sin free to throw the first stone. We learn from Jesus how to do that. What happens when the boss, parent, teacher or coach speaks with Jesus’ humane lack of judgement? Restorative justice carries some characteristics of today’s Gospel.

Odd how only the woman caught in adultery is accused in this Gospel story! What about the other person involved? You cannot commit adultery alone. As with the MeToo movement, the “he says,” “she says” issue rears its ugly head. Back when this story was first told both parties to adultery faced enormous punishment IF they were known.

Sr. Joan Mitchell CSJ in this week’s Sunday by Sunday tells of a theology student of hers meeting a young woman who held a sign saying, “I need money for a bus ticket home.” When asked her story she said she’d been living on the street and wanted to change her life. After spending some time with the homeless woman, the theology student invited her to her home for a shower, clean clothes and a nap before giving her a bus ticket to Iowa. She was astounded to hear the young woman respond to a call, “Yes, I’m safe. A kind woman and her kind husband are helping me. That’s how you know there’s a Jesus.”

She caught a glimpse of Jesus in her helpers.

~Deni Mack, D. Min
Pastoral Associate