Gospel for April 6 2025 – John 11:1-45
Gospel Reflections for April 6 2025
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 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 Father Dave for your precious insights!!! So beautiful to recognize one has done wrong and you sincerely desire to change and then you are beautifully forgiven!! Love our precious Faith centered on love and forgiveness and gives beautiful new hope to all!!! Love it and Dick and I love precious you for leading us to our Heaven of Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
Loveeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
Hi, Fr. Dave. Great reflection as always. As you may recall, my husband retired from the PD years ago. He has often related that in his many years of service, he observed that criminals seemed to have an inherent need to confess a crime. We are truly blessed as Catholics to enjoy the sacrament of confession. It is not only cathartic but transformational. I have found during the years that I have let go of grudges I nursed for decades. I have improved certain habits and propensities I had fallen into. Even non-Catholics have expressed the need to go to confession. While they can indeed confess on their own terms, there is nothing like the sacrament of Reconciliation, which no substitution can come close to. Right now I am trying to help a dear friend and fallen away Catholic who is seeking alternative outlets to deal with the guilt she feels for divorcing her husband. I will suggest she re-visit the sacrament and experience the beauty and refreshment of absolution and reconcile herself to our Lord.
You are offering great advice to your friend!
Our truly Meriful Lord Embraced all, he looked beyond the obviously visible.
I often wonder about her predicament, was this her way of survival, what obstacles had she encountered as a female and perhaps even in childhood in such a harsh environment.
Our Lord took a stance of Courage, Justice and Mercy in response to the the angry crowd, thus setting such a great example for us.
Oh, what a Benevolent Lord is he.
Yes, this Gospel has many deep insights. thanks you for sharing.
Dear Father Dave,
This woman’s story of life and near death teaches us lessons on so many levels: To name a few, it demonstrates our Savior’s mercy, human frailty, shame, ignorance, hypocrisy, and crowd mentality.
Mostly, it’s an example of the beauty of Christ’s love and its effect on a woman who, in a frightening moment of time, was transformed.
In addition, the wisdom of Jesus corralled the crowd and opened their hearts and minds.
As always, thank you Father Dave for this Gospel’s reflection.
God bless….
Kathleen
Yes, a very rich Gospel with profound wisdom.