In the Gospel this Sunday both the woman, and the Pharisees and scribes have sinned. The Pharisees and scribes were arrogant and judgmental, they lacked the compassion God had demonstrated in the past, and that Jesus showed. What would we have done if we were there?  What do we do when private lives or secrets are splashed all over the media? Do we rush to judgment and throw stones, or do we quietly reflect on our own weaknesses and how much we would not like to be publicly judged or humiliated?

Rather than judging, might we extend instead a hand of love and compassion? This is the invitation that Jesus puts before us today. We are all in need of healing and forgiveness and the door to our Creator God, through Jesus, is always open.  No matter how many times I lose my way, no matter who condemns me, God calls me to start over again, to be healed and forgiven.  Isaiah tells us today, God is always ready to do something new within us and our lives: “Look I am about to do something new, now it is springing up; can you not see it?” (Is 43:19).  This is Good News indeed! 

To prepare for Easter, our Penitential Service takes place after Vigil & 11.30am Masses this weekend.