The Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Lent continues to offer lessons about God’s mercy and forgiveness. Last Sunday, we heard the Parable of the Forgiving Father / Prodigal Son, and today we listen to the report from John’s Gospel of an encounter among Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees, and a woman caught in adultery.

The Pharisees stated that according to the Law of Moses, those caught in the act of adultery were to be stoned to death. In this situation, the Pharisees thought they had an opportunity to trap Jesus by making him say or do something that was contrary to the Law. But Jesus gave an unexpected response by saying, “Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The gospel tells us, “They went away one by one, beginning with the eldest.”

Jesus was left alone with the woman, for no one dared to condemn her. This gospel story shows how Jesus is compassionate and merciful. Relating this to the first reading where the Lord says, “See, I am doing something new,” Jesus helps the woman to move on from a life of sin to a new life. “Neither do I condemn you. Go, do not sin any more.” The action of Jesus is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and forgiveness. We see God’s attitude revealed in Christ, “the face of God’s mercy” (Pope Francis).

The words and action of Jesus personally challenge me not to be judgmental towards those who sin, but rather to be understanding and merciful like Jesus. The gospel reading also invites me to look at my interior life and to continue to desire the love and mercy of God by living a holy life. I am reminded to choose to appreciate the people around me, despite their weaknesses and frailties. This is quite challenging for me; it means I need to have a merciful and compassionate heart striving to love others with their limitations and defects. Following the Lord means bringing His love and mercy to everyone by not being judgemental.

How do we show God’s compassion and mercy to others, with the people we serve in the ministry and with our companions in the workplace?

To end my reflection, I ask God that I may be filled with joy and learn to value all the great things the Lord has done for me like his gift of forgiveness and offering of new life. As St. Paul reminds us in the second reading, “let us continue to pursue the goal, the price of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”

Sr. Claire Marie R. Sy, CMT
Manila – Philippines