The encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery offers an insight into both the judgment and mercy of God. May we cherish the Lord’s compassion as we honestly examine our hearts for whatever keeps us from God and one another.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of the Year
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Photo Credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today. Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
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The book of Wisdom and the Gospel of John reveal the conflict that arises when we follow the Lord in our daily lives.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
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When questioned about the “testimony” he can offer about himself, Jesus points to John the Baptist, his works and the words of his Father. Finally, he directs people to reflect upon Moses, whose words and actions are fulfilled in the saving passion, death and resurrection of the Christ.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
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Photo Credit: Son of God, 2014.
Both Isaiah and John’s Gospel reveal the compassion and power of God. This power, however, will not be forced upon us; rather, the Lord invites us to accept his invitation and receive grace for this life and the next. How will we respond?
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent
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The readings today reveal the common theme of the life giving power of water to nourish and heal. This image in turn points to Christ, the source of all life. May we draw near to the Lord to be refreshed, so that we may in turn share His life with one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
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Study: Reflect on a time in life when you made a grave mistake or serious sin. How did you face it?
Pray: Is there something that is keeping you from the Lord or another person? Ask the Lord for the grace to reconcile.
Serve: Is there a situation in your life that offers you a chance to extend mercy? Consider ways to make it happen.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
Have you ever been clearly in the wrong? Made a mistake that was self-evident and completely your own fault? Don’t worry…you’re in good company. As much as we don’t like to admit it or claim it, we have all fallen short of the Lord’s commandments. We sin.
There are a couple of easy traps that we need to avoid:
What we find in the Gospel today is something in between that exemplifies God’s Mercy. The woman caught in adultery (where’s the man?!) is dragged before the Lord and forced to stand out in her shame as the people try to trap Jesus.
His response is profound. “Let the one among you who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one the realization of their own sins causes the crowd to dwindle away; they have all fallen short, and they have all been in need of mercy.
Yet the Lord is not done. After all, he is the only one without sin in the group! He alone has the right to carry out judgment. Yet this is what he says:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin.”
Note both points:
In light of this Gospel I suggest the following takeaways:
As we embark on the last weeks of Lent, may we never fear to approach the Lord in our sins. For as we honestly claim our faults we draw forgiveness from the one who came to save and set us free.
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If you are looking for more material to help you this Lent, you might consider this list of presentations I have offered over the last couple of years. Feel free to check it out and share if you find it helpful:
Podcast Resources for a Powerful Lent
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Note: This post was first published on March 8, 2016.
Photo Credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
The parable of the Prodigal Son proclaims the tender compassion of the Father. In our wayward moments the Lord continues to run to us in our need, reaching out with mercy, forgiveness and love.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Lent
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Jesus offers a parable that speaks to our hearts. When we are caught in pride and selfishness, the words of the tax collector can restore our perspective and need for the Lord. As we reflect on our sins and shortcomings may we call out and say, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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When asked what is the most important commandment, Jesus responds by citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 and swiftly summarizes the life of faith by condensing the Ten Commandments down to two. As we take these two crucial commandments to heart may they guide every aspect of our lives each and every day.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 