05th Sunday of Lent: April 06, 2025
Readings: Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 3:8–14; John 8:1–11
Who is perfect? Who does not sin? Each one has one's own inadequacies and vulnerabilities. But often people in our society could be full of prejudice and malice, wickedness and evil tendencies must be filling their stomachs. As a result, they might not see any good in others. Unfortunately, they cannot do the self-reflection. In this context, we have beautiful liturgical readings on this Sunday, especially the Gospel reading. Jesus saves a woman from being stoned to death. His simple questions put the would-be murderers into shame and regret. Moreover, the woman becomes an ardent disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus, the Face of Mercy
As we journey deeper into Lent, the Gospel of John 8:1–11 presents a powerful invitation to experience God’s mercy and renewal. This passage is not merely about the woman caught in sin—it is about all of us, sinners standing before a merciful Savior. It is about encountering Jesus in our brokenness and walking away transformed. The scribes and Pharisees bring the woman before Jesus, eager to condemn her according to the Law of Moses. Yet, their real motive is not justice but to trap Jesus. If He spares her, they could accuse Him of disregarding the Law; if He condemns her, He would contradict His own message of mercy.
But Jesus does not respond immediately. Instead, He bends down and writes on the ground. What was He writing? We do not know. Some say He was writing the sins of the accusers. Others believe He was creating space—for silence, for self-examination, for grace to enter. When He finally speaks, His words are both piercing and liberating: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." These words silence the crowd. One by one, they walk away. Before Jesus, no one can claim righteousness. In Lent, we are called to recognize this same truth—none of us are without sin, yet God’s mercy is greater than our failures.
2. Conversion: A New Beginning in Holiness
Jesus does not condone the woman's sin, but neither does He condemn her. Instead, He offers her something greater—a chance to begin again. This is the heart of Lent: repentance and renewal. How often do we allow our past sins to define us? How often do we carry shame instead of embracing God’s mercy? Lent is a time to lay down our burdens before Christ, trusting in His power to make all things new. Often, we bracket the people. With that we close our world for them.
The woman walked away changed. She was no longer just "the adulterous woman"—she was a beloved daughter, restored by grace. Likewise, when we encounter Jesus in confession, in prayer, and in the Eucharist, we are given a new identity. This Lent, let us ask: Are we quick to judge others while ignoring our own faults? Do we allow God’s mercy to truly transform us? Are we ready to "go and sin no more," to live with a renewed commitment to holiness?
3. Living our Faith with Passion and Compassion
Jesus does not just call us to avoid sin—He calls us to embrace holiness with passion. We must walk away from this Gospel with hearts on fire, determined to live as true disciples, free from the chains of sin and full of the joy of God’s mercy. We must be like St. Paul with a personality of passion and commitment. He calls for a radical call to follow Christ with unwavering passion. Paul, once a zealous Pharisee, now considers all his past achievements as “rubbish” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Questions for self-reflection:
- Am I willing to let go of pride, self-reliance, and worldly distractions to seek God with my whole heart?
- Am I holding onto past failures, sins, or regrets that prevent me from moving forward in faith?
- How can I deepen my commitment to living out my faith with greater passion and love?
- Are there attachments in our lives—sins, comforts, ambitions—that hinder our relationship with Christ?