John 8:1–11 MERCY THAT LIFTS US UP

Year A, Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

In today’s Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. They are ready to condemn her, ready to stone her, ready to prove a point. But Jesus responds in a surprising way. He bends down and writes on the ground, then says: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”

 One by one, they leave. Finally, Jesus is left alone with the woman. And He speaks words that are both gentle and powerful: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

 This moment reveals the heart of God. Jesus does not ignore sin, but He also does not define the person by her sin. He sees her dignity, her worth, her possibility for a new beginning.

 How often in our lives do we act like the crowd — quick to judge, quick to criticize, quick to point out the faults of others? Or sometimes, we place ourselves in the position of the woman — weighed down by guilt, ashamed of our past, wondering if we can truly begin again.

 Lent is a season of mercy. It invites us to put down the stones we carry — the stones of judgment, resentment, and self-righteousness — and to open our hearts to God’s forgiveness. 

 Jesus speaks the same words to each of us: “Neither do I condemn you.” But He also calls us forward: “Go, and sin no more.”

Mercy is not just comfort; it is transformation. It lifts us up and gives us the strength to begin again.

No matter how far we may feel we have gone, God’s mercy is always greater. And no matter how we have judged others, God invites us to become instruments of compassion.

 Question to Ponder: What “stones” of judgment or guilt am I being called to let go of so that I can receive and share God’s mercy?

 With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo