Jesus the Face of Mercy and Compassion: Living Our Faith with Passion and Holiness

05th Sunday of Lent: April 06, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 43:16–21; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 3:8–14; John 8:1–11

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/Goc6_7dhTiM

Who is perfect? Who is sinless? Often, people know more about us than we do ourselves! They have their own versions of us. They wear coloured glasses and see us. Despite knowing that a human person is such a complex being, people underestimate the person. Each one has his or her own inadequacies and vulnerabilities. However, people live with prejudice, malice, wickedness, and evil tendencies. It fills their stomachs. As a result, they might not see any good in others. Unfortunately, they are incapable of 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 could 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 people. With that, we close our world to 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. 

This is the core of our Lenten journey—recognizing that holiness is not about human effort alone but about surrendering to God’s grace. We do not earn salvation; we receive it as a gift. Yet, this gift calls us to transformation. Lent is a time to reflect on what we hold dear. Christ offers us far more than anything the world offers. It's a time for us as we approach Holy Week, to renew our commitment: To seek Christ above all else; To surrender our self-righteousness and trust in His grace; To let go of the past and run with perseverance toward holiness. May this be our grace for this week.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. Am I willing to let go of pride, self-reliance, and worldly distractions to seek God with my whole heart?
2. Am I holding onto past failures, sins, or regrets that prevent me from moving forward in faith?
3. How can I deepen my commitment to living out my faith with greater passion and love?
4. Are there attachments in our lives—sins, comforts, ambitions—that hinder our relationship with Christ?

Prayer based on Psalm 126

Gracious and loving God,

Restore what is broken, renew what is weary, and fill my soul with the joy of Your presence. Like streams in the desert, let Your grace flow into the dry places of my heart. Give me the strength to persevere, knowing that You turn sorrow into joy and mourning into dancing. Lord, give us the grace to press forward with passion, to seek You above all things, and to grow in holiness. 

Lord, as I walk through this Lenten journey, may I plant seeds of faith, love, and holiness, trusting that in Your time, You will bring a harvest of grace. Let my heart remain steadfast in hope, for You are the God who restores, renews, and redeems. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

04 April 2025