Gospel Reflections for April 7 2019
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 that her punishment was death by stoning, a particularly cruel way to die. The scene must have been intense. On one side is a large and boisterous crowd. On the other is a lone and frightened woman. They look to Jesus for His response. What will He do? What would you do?
Will Jesus go back on His reputation for mercy or will He uphold Jewish law? Jesus reveals that He actually knows the law better than the crowd …and it promises a happy ending.
Jesus says one of the most famous lines in the entire 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) Jesus indicates that many in the crowd have also been with this woman. It was their names that He was writing on the ground. As they saw their names, they walked away, and so the woman was left with no accusers.
This Gospel reveals the heart of what it means to be merciful. Mercy implies that a person is truly guilty, which this woman certainly was, and that a serious punishment coming, which there certainly was. Mercy implies that the person recognizes 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 ways, He removes the punishment of death and says, “Go, and sin no more.” He offers that same mercy to us as well.
This is a perfect Gospel for the Season of Lent. Each week we are reminded that Jesus is not interested in punishment for our mistakes! He only wants a changed life.
He is focused on these two stages of mercy … we humbly recognize we have done wrong and we sincerely desire to change. All is then forgiven.
These are the steps that happen in every Sacrament of Confession as well. If you have not done so already, let me suggest this Sacrament to you in these final days of Lent.
Our Lord promises a happy ending!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you for this weekend’s reflection, which, as you’ve stated, is so thought provoking for lent.
The beautiful words, “Goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life,” come to mind.
God bless.
Kathleen A.
Yes, perfect Lenten words! Thank you for sharing them.
Love your precious interpretation Father Dave!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee mercy and forgiveness!!! Love our precious Jesus,love our loving Faith,our beautiful life and its ours to li8ve in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! We are sooooooooooooooooooooooooo blessed!! Have a beautiful day in our precious Jesus’ and our beautiful Blessed Mother’s overwhelmingly beautiful loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
Your welcome home on April 3rd was simply magnificent. We were not angry at the scandal, but profoundly sad and are convinced that the media is trying to destroy Christianity (follow the Texas money). A second great job on Thursday on evolution. Thank you for your view that Selfishness was the original sin in the Garden story.
(We played hooky from choir practice to hear you.)
We wish you blessings for leading your flock by your ministry. Your Gospel Reflections are so insightful and we look forward to reading them every week..
God bless you and keep you, Della and Gino Spinelli
It was very meaningful for me to return to my hometown and parish of St. Paschal’s Wednesday night for the University Series. I was glad that I could help people understand all these serious issues.
Thanks, Father Dave. I learned something new! Jesus might have been writing the names of the men adulterers on the ground!
Yes, Our Lord knew what He was doing, and it had a saving effect!
Jesus always made His point in a subtle way. What an insight Fr Dave..each saw their name being written.
Thanks for the continued insights and all the energy and work you put into this week’s University Series.
Lenten Blessings,Lorraine
You are very welcome!