Gospel: March 23, 2026
March 23, 2026 (Monday)
5th Week of Lent
Psalter: Week 1 (Violet/White)
St. Turibius de Mongrovejo, bishop
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
1st Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62* (or Daniel 13:41c-62)
Gospel: John 8:1-11
As for Jesus, he went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak Jesus appeared in the temple again. All the people came to him, and he sat down and began to teach them.
Then the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone. “Master,” they said, “this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now the law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but you, what do you say?” They said this to test Jesus, in order to have some charge against him.
Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. And as they continued to ask him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And he bent down, again, writing on the ground.
As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing before him. Then Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go away and don’t sin again.”
Reflection:
Allowing love to prevail over judgment.
In the gospel passage, compassion is emphasized when Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. Confronted by a crowd eager to judge her, He challenges them with the powerful statement: “Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This moment resonates with our experiences, reminding us how quickly we can judge others while neglecting our own mistakes.
At the heart of this passage is a call to reflect on forgiveness and empathy. The woman is vulnerable and at risk of condemnation, yet Jesus shows her compassion rather than punishment. This act of kindness highlights how empathy can transform lives. How often do we hastily judge others’ mistakes?
Jesus’ reaction encourages us to pause and reflect on our flaws before judging others. This Gospel urges us to show compassion to those around us and ourselves, recognizing that everyone faces challenges and weaknesses. Doing so fosters a culture of understanding and support, allowing love to prevail over judgment in our relationships and communities.
