Jn 8: 1 - 11

This week is the fifth Sunday of Lent and the gospel is about living our lives to the best of our ability. Jesus has made us his own and, as a result, we try our best to live as he did, always remembering that we depend on God’s grace and mercy to do so. The gospel shows us that following Jesus means that we neither judge nor condemn others, but always offer them welcome, love and forgiveness. The gospel this week is about a woman who had done the wrong thing and the crowd were ready to stone her. Jesus stepped forward and challenged the crowd ‘Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.’ Jesus understood that people are often weak and do things wrong. He was always ready to give people another chance, a chance to change their hearts and their lives. The message in this gospel is a good one: showing mercy, compassion and forgiveness are essential to being like Jesus. As we prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus, take some time to share with your children a time when you were treated with gentleness and compassion and the difference that it made to you.