Geeky Catholic Sunday: The Fifth Sunday of Lent 2019
Gospel Reading: John 8:1-11
Highlight: "Then Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you.'"
Reflection: When preparing this week's reflection, I was struck by the fact that this Gospel passage does not address whether or not the woman repented of her sin. This story is not about the woman's contrition or Christ's forgiveness. But it's not because those themes are insignificant; they can be found in plenty of other places in the Gospels. This passage is aimed at those of us who would act like the crowd, heaping judgment and rejection on those we deem to be "sinners." We are not sinless, and we do not see into the souls of the people we callously dismiss as sinners. So Christ tells us that it is not our responsibility to make sure that someone suffers for their sins. I shouldn't tailgate a driver who cuts me off in traffic. Nor should I harass someone online for making a comment I judge to be insensitive or immoral. God alone is Judge. We should focus on our own holiness instead of rushing to condemn others. (Note that I'm talking about personal actions here, and not denying the State the right to have a criminal justice system.)
Geeky Quote: "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." - Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive as you forgive, and to refrain from presuming to judge those I encounter. Amen.
To get these short reflections every week, click the Subscribe button at the top of this page, or you can "Like" or "Follow" the GeekyCatholicDad Facebook page here.
Highlight: "Then Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you.'"
Reflection: When preparing this week's reflection, I was struck by the fact that this Gospel passage does not address whether or not the woman repented of her sin. This story is not about the woman's contrition or Christ's forgiveness. But it's not because those themes are insignificant; they can be found in plenty of other places in the Gospels. This passage is aimed at those of us who would act like the crowd, heaping judgment and rejection on those we deem to be "sinners." We are not sinless, and we do not see into the souls of the people we callously dismiss as sinners. So Christ tells us that it is not our responsibility to make sure that someone suffers for their sins. I shouldn't tailgate a driver who cuts me off in traffic. Nor should I harass someone online for making a comment I judge to be insensitive or immoral. God alone is Judge. We should focus on our own holiness instead of rushing to condemn others. (Note that I'm talking about personal actions here, and not denying the State the right to have a criminal justice system.)
Geeky Quote: "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." - Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive as you forgive, and to refrain from presuming to judge those I encounter. Amen.
To get these short reflections every week, click the Subscribe button at the top of this page, or you can "Like" or "Follow" the GeekyCatholicDad Facebook page here.
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