NEWSLETTER INSERTS - 'WHERE MERCY MEETS MISERY' IN THIS SUNDAY'S GOSPEL

‘Jesus is the only one without fault, the only one who could throw a stone at her, but he does not do so, because God “does not want the death of the wicked but that the wicked convert and live” (cf. Ez 33:11). And Jesus sends the woman on her way with these wonderful words: “Go and do not sin again” (Jn 8:11). And thus Jesus opens a new path to her, created by mercy, a path that requires her commitment not to sin again. It is an invitation that applies to each one of us. When Jesus forgives us, he always opens a new path on which to go forward. In this Lenten Season, we are called to recognize ourselves as sinners and to ask God for forgiveness. And, in its turn, while forgiveness reconciles us and gives us peace, it lets us start again, renewed. Every true conversion is oriented toward a new future, a new life, a beautiful life, a life free from sin, a generous life. Let us not be afraid to ask Jesus for forgiveness because he opens the door to this new life for us’.

Pope Francis, 7th April 2019

“Being the Redemption, He refuses to condemn her, being the Life He restores her, being the Fountain He washes her. And since Jesus, when He stoops down stoops that He may raise up the fallen, He says, as the Absolver of sins, Neither do I condemn thee.”

St Ambrose, Letters, 15, 7

‘Jesus never wants evil. He only wants what is good and life-giving. Therefore, in his great mercy, he instituted the sacrament of Reconciliation so that no one will be lost, so that we can all find the forgiveness we need, no matter how great our mistakes have been’.

From Opusdei.org

‘The Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery contrasts the behaviour of the violent mob towards her and the mercy that Jesus showed her. It also shines a light on today’s scourge of violence against women. The woman is objectified by the mob. Jesus sees her dignity and moves to respect her and heal her. The mob want to inflict violence and death. Jesus wants to apply mercy and a second chance. The mob condemns her. Jesus forgives her. Let us be extensions of Jesus' mercy in the world today. Let us be like him and step away from crowds and so-called friends that only seek to condemn, hurt and look down on others.’

Fr Billy Swan