Monday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

When Jesus admonishes the elders to have “he who is without sin” cast the first stone at the poor woman, he cuts to the heart of our lived experience: we are often quick to judge and castigate the behavior of others, while finding it difficult to be self-reflective regarding our own behavior. This admonishment of Jesus is a call to humility. Before we condemn the situations of others, are our own houses in order? And what if instead of lashing out at others from some misplaced perspective of moral supremacy, we made effort to understand their situations and circumstances and offer them a helping hand on their journey?

 

If Lent can be an opportune time for this inner growth and reflection, we may seek to expand the horizons of our journeys. Growth in understanding of self is a valuable thing, greater still may be using that newfound knowledge to place ourselves in the position of others to become a help to them, a support, an ally, a listening ear. It is easy enough to judge other people; why not change that impulse into one of care and understanding, seeking to learn, to accompany and to support, rather than only to attack or tear down? Healing of the self may yet become healing of the many.

Prayer

O God, by whose wondrous grace we are so enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of the heavenly Kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Michael Carter, SSE, ’12
Lecturer of Religious Studies

Scripture

First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62

Psalm 23:1-6

Gospel: John 8:1-11

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website