Fifth Sunday of Lent ‘C’

Today's readings highlight God's readiness to forgive and restore us to His friendship, urging us to extend the same mercy to others and live as forgiven people seeking reconciliation. The central theme across these readings is God's unwavering love.

The First Reading reflects on God's mercy in forgiving the sins of His chosen people and leading them back from Babylonian exile, reminding us of our own forgiveness and salvation from sinfulness.

In the Second Reading, Paul serves as an example of a transformed life, illustrating the Gospel message to "Sin no more." His deep love for Christ drives him to share in Christ's sufferings and Resurrection.

The story of the sinful woman in today's Gospel shows Jesus' endless mercy and compassion. By making sinlessness the condition for condemning others, Jesus prompts self-reflection among the accusers, offering justice and mercy. In our lives, we acknowledge God's justice by confessing our sins and His mercy by accepting forgiveness and extending it to those who have wronged us.

We must become forgiving and ready for reconciliation, following Jesus' example of compassion and mercy. Often, like the Pharisees, we can be self-righteous and quick to judge others while ignoring our own faults. Jesus' teaching reminds us, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone."

Let us acknowledge our sins, seek God's forgiveness, and offer the same to our brothers and sisters. We must learn to hate the sin but love the sinner, showing mercy, compassion, and acceptance, guiding them through our exemplary lives.

We have no right to judge others as we often share the same faults and lack insight into their circumstances. Judgment belongs to God, Who knows our hearts. We should show mercy because we, too, are sinners in need of forgiveness. As the apostle Paul reminds us, "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment" (1 Cor 11:31).