Is 43:16-21/Phil 3:8-14/Jn 8:1-11
God is doing something new in our midst. We have to be ready to see these things with new eyes opened up by God. We have to know that God gives us water in the desert. God can bring us back from exile and turn our tears into rejoicing. God can turn expectations upside down and make everything fresh and new.
Jesus treats the woman caught in adultery with compassion and mercy. He tells the people not to judge unless they themselves are without sin. I take at least two lessons from this story. First, I should not be judging others. I should treat people with kindness and try to understand their circumstances. Second, God will show abundant mercy to me.
The Gospel verse today is a summary of our Lenten journey: “Return to me with your whole heart; for I am gracious and merciful.”