Sunday Reading Reflections:

March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent

Reading 1 Reflection:

To stir up their hope about what God would do for them in the future, the Israelites often looked back to see what God had done for them in the past. The prophet helps them to do just that in today's reading.

He recalls their exodus from Egypt and how God provided for them in the desert. Then he says, "Look ahead!" In other words, whatever great deeds God had done in the past, God can always do something new and greater.

Reading 2 Reflection:

You have probably noticed that Paul often talks about himself and his own faith experiences in order to convince others to follow Christ. Today he recalls that he has given up everything to make room for Christ in his life.

He knows it isn't easy to do this. But in the end he will share in Christ's Resurrection. That is why Paul describes himself as a runner, pushing on toward the finish line.

Gospel Reflection:

Once again the scribes and Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They bring him a woman caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses requires that the adulteress should die. If Jesus does not agree, he will look like someone who does not respect the Law of Moses. To the Pharisees' amazement, Jesus at first ignores them.

Then he stops them in their tracks with an unexpected challenge: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one the judges and critics drop their stones and drift away. Now that they recognize their own need for forgiveness, they are not ready to condemn someone else. Neither does Jesus condemn the woman. He simply requires her to turn away from sin. Now she has a chance for a new beginning.