Sinless in the Eyes of God

SOURCE: WORD-SUNDAY

ANNE OSDIECK

Spiritual Reflection Questions

GOSPEL | FIRST READING | SECOND READING

1. What was the woman’s reaction when Jesus said “neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin anymore”? From his actions, what do you think Jesus thought about the law that dictated stoning? What would he think of torturing prisoners? Capital punishment?

2. Jesus came to bring us new life. Which brings about conversion and new life? “Being a guardian of, and implementing the Law” or having mercy and being forgiving? Could “Mercy First” be the “something new” from the First Reading?

SOURCE: The SUnday Website at Saint Louis University

VINCE CONTRERAS

Studying God’s Word

Download Scripture Study (PDF) / or RCIA OPTION – YEAR A

Overview

Some ancient manuscripts of John omit the episode we see in this Sunday’s Gospel reading, while some place it elsewhere in John’s Gospel or in Luke. It has been defined by the Church as canonical and thus inspired Scripture. • The setting is the Jerusalem temple during the Jewish feast of Tabernacles (or Booths), a harvest feast occurring in September which recalled God’s providence to Israel during their forty years of wandering in the desert. During the seven days of the feast, Jews would build and live in small tents, or booths, to commemorate that time. • Jesus’ opponents bring before him a woman who they say has been caught in the act of adultery. They demand a judgment from him, not because they respect his opinion, but as a device to trap him. If he tells them to stone her, he would be liable to Roman law which reserved the death penalty to itself (see John 18:31). If he orders them to let her go, he will be seen as condoning sin and going against Moses (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:23-24). • Jesus chooses neither option, instead skillfully turning the question back on his accusers while at the same time demonstrating both mercy and justice.

Questions

How is this situation a trap for Jesus? What would the Pharisees accuse Jesus of if he told them to let her go? If he told them to stone her? How does he spring the trap (verse 7)?
How would the woman just caught in adultery have felt? What was the significance of Jesus’ question in verse 10?
How does Jesus’ response to the woman exemplify “grace and truth” (John 1:17)? How does Jesus demonstrate by his words and actions that God is doing a “new thing” with the coming of the kingdom (see the First Reading)?
How does the way Jesus treated this woman help you face your sins?
Jesus accepts you “as is.” Does that free you to change, or does it support your bad behavior? How so?
What can you learn from Jesus about helping a friend who has fallen?

SOURCE: Sunday Scripture Study by Vince Contreras, Used with Permission

RCL BENZINGER

Junior High Scripture Discussion Starters

Download Lesson (PDF)

Who brings the woman before Jesus?
What is the woman accused of?
What does the Law of Moses say should be done to the woman?
What does Jesus say?
Why does everyone go away except Jesus and the woman?
What does Jesus tell the woman?

Questions for Deeper Reflection

Have you ever been quick to judge another person?
Is it sometimes easier to find fault with others than to look within ourselves?
When have you been given a new start?

SOURCE: Lectionary Resources by RCL BENZINGER

EDRIANNE EZELL

Our Sunday Readings

New Paths

Download Reading Guide (PDF)

SOURCE: Our Sunday Readings by Edrianne Ezell, Used with Permission

FR. EAMON TOBIN

Sharing God’s Word

Download Commentary (PDF)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Share with the group or person next to you what spoke to you most in the Gospel. With this first question, try to refrain from commenting on what others said. Just share what spoke to you and then move on to the next person.

2. Isaiah speaks about God doing a “new thing”. What “new thing” do you see God doing in our church or your life today?

3. Isaiah tells us in the first reading to “remember not the events of the past.” In the second reading, Paul tells us that “he gives no thought to what lies behind.” What has helped or could help you to let go of painful memories or some past serious sin?

4. What is the darkness or sin in us that gives us satisfaction in pointing out the sins of others?

5. Is it easy or hard for you to condemn the sin but not the sinner? Or do you tend to condemn sin and sinner?

6. What is the one thing Jesus is saying to us in this Sunday’s Gospel about how a disciple should speak or act??

SOURCE: Commentaries on the Lectionary by Fr. Eamon Tobin (1947-2021), Used with Permission

FR. CLEMENT D. THIBODEAU

Echoing God’s Word

Download Reflection (PDF) – RCIA OPTION – YEAR A

1. “Roll away the stone!” Jesus invites us to uncover the evil, the sinfulness that lurks in the secret recesses of our lives. What means do you possess that will help you uncover your sins that will reveal them to you? Do you dare bring out into the daylight of truth the “rot” and corruption that may have set in since you were baptized? Do you have the courage to ask a friend, a spiritual advisor, to help you uncover that which needs new life in you?

2. Discuss how Martha and Mary represent what we often feel and do when we have suffered a great loss: anger, blaming, reaching out, asking for help (perhaps in that order). Have you ever had those experiences after having lost someone you loved? Where did you turn for help? Is Jesus Christ one of the persons you would turn to if you had suffered much?

3. Discuss the role of Christian disciples in response to Jesus’ command: “Untie him and let him go!” Does it surprise you that Jesus asks us to cooperate with him in overcoming evil? What are some of the ways in which you can help overcome death? Do you see caregivers as providing such cooperation? Do you see parents in their roles as givers of life as cooperating with God in overcoming death? Do you see educators in that role?

SOURCE: Echoing God’s Word by Clement D. Thibodeau (1932-2017), Used with Permission

DR. KIERAN O’MAHONY, OSA

Hearers of the Word

Download Reflection (PDF)

Pointers for Prayer

1. Compassion for human frailty combined with a gentle challenge to a better life marked the response of Jesus. From whom have you experienced a compassionate challenge? What was that like for you? To whom have you given such a challenge?

2. The Pharisees and scribes self-righteously condemned the woman until Jesus brought them in touch with their own sinfulness. This was a conversion moment for them and they turned away from their quest for the death of the woman. Have there been times when your awareness of your own fragility and sinfulness has helped you to be less judgemental of others?

3. “What do you say?” can be an embarrassing question. Jesus had the courage to voice an opinion, even though it was against the party line of the day. When you have seen that courage shown – by yourself, or by another? What was the result?