Go and Sin No More: 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

For the past few weeks, we have been hearing the themes of repentance. Today’s gospel illustrates why his mercy endures forever and why his call for repentance is not just a once-and-done concept.

Jesus was writing on the ground as the Pharisees were telling him about what the woman had done. He responded in silence. St. John Paul the Great remarked that his silence invited “everyone to self-reflection.” Then, he challenged the accusers to throw a stone against the condemned. One by one, they

Reflecting on the woman caught in adultery, Fulton Sheen points out that “Our Lord would not destroy the Mosaic Law, but perfect it by enunciating a higher Law: none but the pure may judge! He was summoning a new jury; only the innocent may condemn! ... Those who have guilt on their souls must withhold judgment.” In the face of perfection, sinfulness is difficult to deny, even for those who are evil. “In the presence of Divinity, no one can be sure of his innocence.” (Life of Christ)

St. Paul can relate to the Pharisees as he was once one. He wrote in his letter to the Philippians, “I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

Throughout Lent, there have been calls for us to go to confession. Yet, we still have that fear that is holding us back. The fear that we will never be forgiven or that we’re destined for hell. The only way that God will condemn us is if we never repent of our evildoings. Jesus never condemned the woman caught in adultery.

Catholics should always run to Jesus as he conquered the sins of the world through his passion, death, and resurrection.

This can’t be stressed enough but GO TO CONFESSION. The Father of Mercy awaits and will help us not sin anymore.