April 7, 2025

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Lectionary 251

John 8:1-11:

Meditation

The Mosaic Law condemned the woman, and the crowd condemned her. But Jesus had a different response. He did not condemn her; he reacted to those who condemned her. Those who wanted to throw stones were preoccupied with other people's sins and paid no attention to their own.

Perhaps they could not show compassion toward others because they had forgotten about God's mercy toward them. Jesus did not interrogate the woman about the accusations; he did not even lecture her about the why and how of God's compassion. His initial silence and simple statement showed compassion: "Neither do I condemn you."

At La Salette, Mary spoke to the children about the world's sins but did not condemn them. She did not give a lengthy explanation of why her Son was compassionate. Like that of Jesus, her gesture of compassion was simple: She wept. Since then, many people have been freed from past guilt because her tears touched them.

Reflection Questions

• What are the gestures in your life that speak to others of a compassionate God?
• Are you willing to acknowledge your sin to be more compassionate towards others?