Homily Fifth Monday of Lent (John 8:1-11) “Throw No Stones”
Homily Fifth Monday of Lent (John 8:1-11) “Throw No Stones”
The story of the woman caught in adultery is unique to the Gospel of John. It is consistent with other stories told about Jesus. Our Lord seems to be very forgiving of most kinds of sins. He would forgive people of stealing and cheating. He was very forgiving of prostitution. We don’t hear Jesus talk much about sexual sin at all, which seems odd since Christian preachers have concentrated on that area of life throughout the centuries.
Jesus seems to have two sins that he really hated. One was being judgmental. The other was being hypocritical. He did not like, what we referred to in grade school as, tattle tales. Some people have a penchant for coming to people in authority and reporting on other people’s failures. Jesus did not like such gossip and criticism. Jesus behaves, in this episode as we might expect.
We live in a time when peoples faults are revealed in public over and over. If someone achieves notoriety, they should be concerned. Why? Because it seems like there will be those who want to expose a famous person’s faults to the world. How many politicians start to run for office and their sins from decades are brought forward. Maybe the person in question has not done much wrong since. Perhaps they are apologetic about what they did earlier in life. Maybe they have changed. But that makes no difference. It seems like redemption is out of the question.
Is this what Christian living boils down to? One strike and you are out. Many is the saint that had a sinful early life only to be changed by later experiences in life. St. Francis could not run for mayor today. St. Augustine could never be a bishop.
Jesus gave the woman caught in sin a new lease on life. He shamed those who persecuted her. He reminded those who were ready to stone the woman caught in adultery of their own sinfulness. All of us need of the mercy of God.
Reflection Questions:
- What is the sin I dislike the most in other people? Is it a sin I commit?
- What sin do I want to keep hidden? Why am I afraid to bring it into the light?
Dear Parishioners,
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday. We will not be having the normal processions. It is still too risky to have people gather in small spaces and congregate. We will gather in church. Everyone will be given a palm as they come in the door. Each family can go immediately to the seat.
This is not happy news, but we remember last Palm Sunday when we were receiving palms in a drive by procession and could not be in church. Let’s hope that by next year we will be able to process and sing, “Hosana” again.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark