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THE GUILT AND THE GUILTY

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR C: 
NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU, GO AND SIN NO MORE

First Reading Isaiah 43 :16-21

See, I am doing a new deed, and I will give my chosen people drink Readings

Thus says the Lord, who made a way through the sea, a path in the great waters; who put chariots and horse in the field and a powerful army which lay there never to rise again, snuffed out, put out like a wick: Lectures

No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was done before. See, I am doing a new deed, even now it comes to light; can you not see it? Yes, I am making a road in the wilderness, paths in the wilds.

The wild beasts will honour me, jackals and ostriches, because I am putting water in the wilderness (rivers in the wild) to give my chosen people drink. The people I have formed for myself will sing my praises.

Responsorial Psalm: What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad

Second Reading Philippians 3:8-14

I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ

I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.

Gospel John 8:1-11

'Let the one among you who has not sinned be the first to throw a stone'

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them.

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’ Reflections

They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’ she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and do not sin any more.’

Merciful Father thank you for your love and mercy. It is loving to know that you do not recall the past, nor  think about what was done before. Father in your love for your creatures you re-new your covenant through Jesus Christ the light of the world thank you Father. 

Forgive me, Father forgive me for being cruel in judging people. Have I any right to pass judgement and condemn my fellow creatures? Father I am sorry. Why do I judge others? To humiliate them, to protect my pride, to be self-righteous, because I cannot forgive. I lack love, mercy and compassion. 

Do I know the consequence of passing judgement, and condemning my fellow creatures? I am truly sorry Father, my God. Forgive me. Lord Jesus Christ, you alone have the right and authority to judge and condemn us, yet you do not judge us nor condemn us for our sins. Help me Lord Jesus to be compassionate, forgiving. In place of judging my brothers and sisters - with sincerity of heart, may I pray for them. Come to my aid Jesus Christ, my Lord and Master.

Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for us. God's Holy Angels pray for us. My Guardian Angel pray for me. Guide and guard me. Be my protection. 

Pray the Holy Rosary. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ pray for us.

Your Birthday Saint: Saint Richard of  Chichester, Bishop. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.


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