Hello, Ursuline! Thank you for joining us for the Lenten prayer service on Wednesday! This weekend, we'll look at the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Please leave any prayer intentions here, and have a great weekend!

 

Summary

In this Gospel passage, Jesus goes to the temple area, and began teaching to people surrounding him. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought over a woman who had been caught committing adultery and forced her into the middle. Trying to test Jesus, they said, “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?” Jesus bent down to write on the ground with his finger and didn’t answer right away. They asked again and finally He said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus went back to writing on the ground, and one by one, the crowd started to dissipate, including the Pharisees. Once Jesus was left alone with the accused woman, he stood up and asked, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one.” Jesus replied, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

 

Background

In the Old Testament and Jewish Law, there are many laws prescribing stoning or death as a punishment for adultery. In this scenario, the Pharisees and scribes use this as an opportunity to test Jesus, to see if the love he extends to sinners would contradict Jewish Law. However, Jesus is there to fulfill the Law, not to contradict it. While it is easy for the scribes and Pharisees to accuse the woman of sin, it is not as easy for them to admit guilt for themselves.

 

Application

In this Gospel passage, Jesus forgives the woman as she has committed adultery. The scribes and Pharisees are quick to accuse the lady of sinning and they bring the conflict to Jesus, who resolves the situation and forgives the woman. As seen through this biblical story, it is easier to accuse others of sinning, and it is difficult to recognize and admit to sinning ourselves. We must take a look at our character before judging others. It is also equally important to learn how to forgive others and forgive ourselves as none of us are perfect. It is through his mercy that God will always forgive our sins.

 

Questions

Do I find it easy for me to forgive others and not myself?

If I constantly criticize others, why do I do so? And what is my intention?

 

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Written by Maddie Colbert '22 and Ava Place '23

Illustrated by Elle de la Garza '22

 

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