What Do you Say?

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 8:1-11*

*FIRST READING - Is 43:16-21*

*SECOND READING -Phil 3:8-14*

*What Do you Say?*

*1) A question to Jesus*

What do you say is the Question, which was thrown at Jesus by Scribes and Pharisees, in the context of accusing a woman caught in adultery. 

This question by the Pharisees and scribes had a special purpose that is to trap Jesus and to find fault with Jesus 

If so, what Jesus said? Or what was the answer of Jesus to this question?

*2) Various answers of Jesus to this Question*

*A) All of them are sinners*

This is the powerful message which was given by Jesus to those who accused the woman 

*Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.* To this no one was left. All went away from there. By this Jesus showed that all of them were equally at fault 

*B) Only God can judge and not human beings*

The action of Jesus also answered the question by saying that only God has the authority to judge and not the human beings 

This is the another answer given by Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees

*C) I will give her new Life*

This is the Third answer, which was given by Jesus to the above question

God always tries to give new life, wherever it is possible

*D) I will not condemn her*

This is another answer given by Jesus to the Scribes and Pharisees. 

God is not the one who condemns but Our God is the one who forgives and saves our life 

*E) Not to commit the old sins again*

Finally this is also implied in the answer to the question. 

*Go, and from now on do not sin any more.* is also an answer to the Question

*3) What Pharisees and Scribes said?*

They said that they are righteous people and they can't commit sin 

For adultery woman is responsible and she should be punished with death, but there is no mention of man 

Scribes and Pharisees said this is a wonderful opportunity to trap Jesus and to humiliate him 

Finally they said, they had no way to challenge Jesus. So they left one by one. 

*4) What do I say?*

I can take either Jesus' side or Scribes and Pharisees side 

Pharisees side always will point out fault with some one else and not within oneself 

When we fallow Jesus, we will never judge a person but will be able to understand him/her and accept the person as he/she is 

Which personality is dominating in me? 

The personality of Jesus or the personality of Scribes and Pharisees??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*