Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, March 17, 2013 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Isaiah 43:16-21

P S A L M - Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

2^ND READING - Philippians 3:8-14

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart; for I am gracious and merciful.

John 8:1-11

1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 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. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 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. 7 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.” 8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. 10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

SABBATH

WHERE IS OUR MERCY AND LOVE? The letter of the law is important as it describes the basis for any moral society. It is important that we try to understand the mind of the lawmaker if we want to understand the laws he has enacted. We will discover that behind every law is a story that explains its promulgation. There must be a good reason for a law, or else the law is useless as it will have little or no application. If we understand the reasons behind the enactment of a particular law, it will be easier for us to know how and when to apply the law and to what extent it can be applied literally. Laws protect particular human goods, and the way that we express these goods can change over time. This implies that the way we express or understand specific laws may have to adapt to changing times and seasons as well. Today, we are confronted with the issue of adultery. Marriage is an extremely important aspect of a functioning society. It is the basis of every family and it provides a firm set of relationships for the rearing of children. It needs to be taken seriously, or society will disintegrate. However, does a person who commits adultery need to be stoned to death? In a smaller society, it is arguable that the social consequences of adultery are more serious for their common good. If that is the case, then the smaller the society, the more serious the punishment for adultery is so as to protect the common good. But it is doubtful that it is necessary to execute adulterers even if the society is small. Jesus’ message in the Gospel is one of mercy. Jesus encourages us to be merciful as we are all sinners and, thus, stand under the judgment of God. It is important that we seek to cultivate the virtue of mercy as we never know when we may be in need of it ourselves. I am sure we all want to avail of God’s mercy for us. Let us then practice mercy to those who sin against us. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you tend to either judge others or exercise mercy when they sin against you? Could you be more merciful in you relationships with others? Lord Jesus, help me grow in my capacity to be merciful with others as I know that I have tested Your patience many times with my own repeated sinfulness. St. Patrick, bishop, patron of Ireland and Nigeria, pray for us.

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