Scripture Reflection - April 6, 2025

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Isaiah-43:16-21 | Psalm 126    | Philippians 3:8-14    | John 8:1-11

“I am doing something new”, says the Lord…”We will be refreshed with life giving water. The season of renewal of the earth is here…spring where new life emerges from the ground…Resurrection when Christ emerges from the tomb, and we emerge from Lent renewed and energized to proclaim the Resurrection. The Psalm reminds us that the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

The Gospel today is unconditional forgiveness and compassion. When Jesus saw the woman at the well had been accused of adultery and was about to be stoned to death, he asked the accusers to throw the stones if they were without sin. None of them picked up a single stone, and they went away one by one.

They had also hoped to condemn Jesus, but this, too, did not happen. Jesus turned to the woman and told her he did not condemn her. He sent her on her way with a blessing, saying do not sin anymore.

We all fall prey to temptation from time to time. We all sin. Yet, we know that we are held in the compassionate love our God and receive unconditional forgiveness each time we falter. What a wonderful gift. So, we pick ourselves up and try to be ever more mindful that as we stand at the wells in our lives, Jesus is always at our side.

May this Lenten season continue to bring you refreshment, renewal, and peace.

Sr. Joan Agro, OP