Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 6, 2025

5th Sunday of Lent

Scripture Text: John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again, he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So, he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery. The scribes and Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus to test Him or even trick Him. But rather than judge her or the fairness of the law, Jesus’ response disarmed everyone. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” As we hear Jesus’ words, we recognize both ourselves as sinners and that judgment of another does not belong to us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I judgmental of others? Am I grateful for the LORD’s mercy?

Praying:

LORD, You and You alone can judge us. Salvation comes from You, through You and in You and You alone. Increase my humility and strengthen my resolve to turn to You, to seek your will for me, and to live the life You created me to live and to become the one You created me to be. Help me to sit down my tendency to judge others and pick up instead my earnest desire to love You with my whole being. Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of your only-begotten Son for my salvation and so that I might have life in abundance. Jesus Christ, Son of God, my savior, I believe in the power of your sacrifice. Send your Spirit to guide me as I seek to deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.