April 5, 2025

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,

In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 8:1–11), we hear the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery. The scribes and Pharisees bring her to Jesus, ready to condemn her. But Jesus responds with great wisdom and compassion. He says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, they walk away. And then Jesus says to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

This Gospel reminds us that God does not desire to condemn us, but to forgive us. Jesus shows us the heart of the Father, full of mercy and truth. He does not deny the woman’s sin, but He offers her a new beginning. The same is true for each of us. When we fall into sin, we are never beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

As we come closer to Holy Week and Easter, I encourage you to come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is here that we hear the same words of Jesus in today’s Gospel—not condemnation, but forgiveness and peace. He is ready to give us a fresh start.

We will have a special Lenten Penance Service this Tuesday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m. here in the church. If it has been a long time since your last Confession, do not be afraid. Jesus is waiting for you, not to accuse you, but to embrace you with His mercy.

As the Prophet Isaiah says in today’s First Reading: “Remember not the events of the past… See, I am doing something new!” (Isaiah 43:18–19). God wants to do something new in each of our hearts. Let us turn to Him with trust and prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter with hearts made clean.

Yours in Christ,
Father Pen