Gospel for April 3 2022 – John 8: 1-11
Gospel Reflections for April 3 2022
A changed life brings mercy
A boisterous crowd brings to Jesus a frightened woman caught in the act of adultery.
There is no doubt she is guilty. She knew her punishment was death by stoning, a very cruel way to die. The scene must have been intense. On one side is a large and loud crowd. On the other is a solitary frightened woman. They both look to Jesus for His response. What will He do? What would you do?
Will Jesus uphold His reputation for mercy or uphold Jewish law? Jesus reveals He knows the law better than the crowd …and it promises a happy ending.
Jesus says one of the most famous lines in the Gospel, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” One by one the crowd leaves and the woman is now alone with Jesus. However, it was not just any sin that Jesus meant. He also knows something special about this crowd.
Jesus knows the law actually demanded the death of both the man and the woman in adultery. (Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22) Perhaps Jesus indicates that that many in the crowd have also been with this woman. Perhaps it was their sins that He was writing on the ground. As they saw that writing, they walked away …and so the woman had no more accusers.
This Gospel reveals what it means to be merciful. Mercy implies that a person is truly guilty, which she certainly was, and that a serious punishment is coming. Mercy implies that people recognize their guilt as well. Above all, mercy implies there is a desire for a changed life. That change makes all the difference.
Our Lord offers mercy because of her desire to change her life, He removes the punishment of death and says, “Go, and sin no more.” He offers that same mercy to you as well.
This is a perfect Gospel for the Season of Lent. Each week you are reminded that Jesus is not interested in punishment for your mistakes! He only wants a changed life. Write down those areas you need to change and review it every day. You will be surprised at the progress you make!
Jesus is focused on these two stages of mercy … you humbly recognize you have done wrong …and sincerely desire to change. All is then forgiven.
Our Lord promises a happy ending!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you for the reminder. I believe writing down intentions psychologically helps us to fulfill them. Maybe that’s why teachers used that method in detention back in the day. Showing Jesus writing during a crucial time has always been fascinating to me.
Yes, and the key is to re-write them every day! That makes a huge difference.
Thank you for another insightful explanation of this reading. I never knew both the man and woman could be held accountable, but that clearly supports the strategy that Jesus took and the crowd’s reaction. I also never thought about “mercy” being given as related to implying guilt but also that the accused recognize their guilt. I wonder how many people actually perceive the two way nature of this.
Yes, I agree, and think this Gospel would change more lives if it was well understood.
Love our precious Jesus, love our precious Faith, love mercy and forgiveness!!! We are sooooooooooooooooooooo very Blessed!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Dear Father Dave,
As always, thank you so much for today’s gospel reflection.
In addition to mercy, I believe Jesus is also teaching us about the seriousness of hypocrisy and our shortcomings or failures when we don’t follow His lessons of love.
Christ’s teachings are so layered. He doesn’t miss a beat!
We’re so fortunate to be Christians and Catholic.
God bless!
Kathleen
Very well said!
Thank you~
The thinking of the pharisees and scribes (and many people) is black and white.
However, life is not black and white, there are many shades of gray. And until we can learn to live with the ambiguity in life, we can never be fully human.
And this is essentially what Christ did when he gave his response to the pharisees and scribes.
He came from the place of the heart. ❤️
Yes, Our Lord comes from a place of love, for all people in their struggles and journey through life.