Jesus does not condemn us but saves us.  Hence, we who say we are his are not to condemn others.  And this means we should first admit that we are sinners also.

The gospel two Sundays ago did not tell us if the fig tree got to bear fruit.  Nor did last Sunday’s gospel tell us if the older son went in to share in the feast.  This Sunday’s gospel, though, says that the scribes and Pharisees admit that they are not without sin.  For they all go away and do not stone the woman they say they caught in the act of adultery.

So, they are not wholly like the older son, though he could very well stand for them.  For John says that they do not condemn the woman.  That is to say, they have a change of heart.

Still and all, the scribes and the Pharisees are no Joseph, for sure.  For this just man, when he did not want to shame Mary, turned into God’s justice in Christ.  So much did Joseph admit her worth and cherish it.  The scribes and the Pharisees, on the other, do not just shame the woman.  They also use her to try to trap Jesus so they can bring a charge against him.

Yet should we not ask ourselves if we do not do as they?  When, for instance, we take the side of those who raised dubia before Pope Francis?  Or when, for fear or favor, we go along with those who do not do right by those who suffer discrimination?  With those who want to do away with things that help and lead us to make “out of many one”?

It bears asking such and like questions.  After all, we all need to be forgiven.  And the sooner we admit this, the slower we shall be to condemn.  The more quickly will the old walk away to give way to the new.

Lord Jesus, help us to forget what lies behind and to reach out for what lies ahead.  We admit we are sinners, so far away still from being like you, who do not condemn but save.  Who do not seek to be served but to serve.  And to give up your body for us and shed your blood, so that sins may be forgiven.  Do not let us shame those who are poor.  Let us discern, rather, your body, so we do not eat and drink our condemnation (1 Cor 11, 22. 29).  Make our lives show that, yes, your grace and truth always win over the law of Moses.  That to love is to fulfill the law (Rom 13, 10).   And that love is above all rules (SV.EN X:478).

6 April 2025
Fifth Sunday of Lent (C)
Is 43, 16-21; Phil 3, 8-14; Jn 8, 1-11