5th Sunday of Lent

6 April 2025

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; P.s.126; Phil. 2:8-14; John 8:1-11

Theme: I am about to make something new

In the passage from Isaiah for today, we read: “Do not linger thinking about events of the past;
    consider not the things of old. I am about to do something new.” (vv. 18-19) Do these words give us an introduction to the other readings? We look at Psalm 126 and find
the joy at the returning from the Babylonian captivity of 70 years. Their joy also recalls their escape from Egypt. Each returning is a new beginning bringing rejoicing and freedom.  This salvation constitutes a spiritual Exodus from the sinful world to the divine dwelling of the earthly Church and then of the heavenly Church, a transferal from satanic tyranny to the gentle yoke of Christ and then of the heavenly Father, a conversion from infidelity to fidelity toward Christ and his Father. Such are the wonders that God has worked radically for all in causing Christ to pass from the grave to heaven, from death to glorious life (see Eph 4:8), and that he works effectively for every believer who shares in this mystery through faith (see Jn 5:24).

     We move to Paul’s letter to the Philippians and read the following section which moves us closer to the point of Lent to bring us to Paul’s sentiments: “All I want is to come to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share in his sufferings by becoming conformed to his death, so that I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (vv.10-11)

Now to the Gospel where we see Jesus coming down from the Mount of Olives where he had spent his night in conversation with his Father. Jesus goes to the Temple, sits down and teaches the people who are gathered around him. Only John has this story. The Scribes and the Pharisees interrupt Jesus’ teaching to trap him. They bring a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. How did they see it unless they were spying and where was the man? They want to know Jesus’ verdict, having made Moses’ law clear. Jesus bends down so that he does not embarrass the woman any more. They persist in questioning Jesus. He answers them by challenging those without sin to cast the first stone. They slink away beginning with the oldest. Jesus is left with her- misery and mercy. When the Scribes and Pharisees had left: “Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, ‘No one, sir.’ ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus said. ‘Go on your way, and sin no more.’” A new life had begun for this woman that day. We hope thar some of the Scribes and Pharisees saw God’s mercy and love in a better light. Jesus came to make all things new for those who listened and repented.  

For Reflection and Discussion: 1) Has your experience of Lent brought about newness in your life? 2) Can you take Paul’s words in verses 10-11 as quoted above, as your calling to live in Christ and in his mystery?

Bibliography: King, Nicholas. The New Testament (Great Britain: 2004); NCB text and notes taken from www.biblegateway.com 

This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Bernadette Chellew, South Africa, Bat Kol Alumna: 2008

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