Discussion Questions

First Reading

Isaiah 43:16-21

F1. Once he got then out of Egypt, did God say, “See you. You’re on your own now”? Or did God take care of the needs of the Israelites at different times on their journey?

F2. God said, “remember not the things of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” What is the “something new” God is doing in your life today? Could it be synodality, where we can all discuss what needs to be changed to allow for more mercy, which would follow Jesus’ example in today’s Gospel?

Second Reading

Philippians 3:8-14

S1. Comparatively speaking, what are all your other possessions worth, compared to Christ? How far are you willing to “accept the loss of all things” in order to gain Christ? Does this happen all at once or would baby steps be required for you to accept the loss of all things?

S2. St. Paul says in this reading, “forgetting what lies behind, … I continue my pursuit toward the goal.” So do you forget what lies behind? Or do you drive down a highway constantly looking in your rearview mirror? Do you “strain forward to see what lies ahead?” What happens to “now” if you are always looking forward or backwards?

Gospel

John 8:1-11

G1. What was the woman’s reaction when Jesus said “neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin anymore”? From his actions, what do you think Jesus thought about the law that dictated stoning? What would he think of torturing prisoners? Capital punishment?

G2. Jesus came to bring us new life. Which brings about conversion and new life? “Being a guardian of, and implementing the Law” or having mercy and being forgiving? Could “Mercy First” be the “something new” from the First Reading?

Once we open our hearts to him in truth, he can work wonders in us. …

We see this in the woman caught in adultery . Her situation seemed hopeless, but then a new and unexpected horizon opened up before her. She was insulted and awaiting merciless judgment and severe punishment. Yet to her amazement, she finds herself acquitted by God, who points her to a future she did not at all anticipate: “Has no one condemned you?”—Jesus says to her—“Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again” (vv. 10.11).

What a difference there is between the Master and the woman’s accusers! They cited the Scriptures to condemn her; Jesus, the very Word of God, completely rehabilitates the woman, restoring her hope. From this story, we learn that any judgment that is not inspired and moved by charity only serves to make things worse for those who receive it. God, on the other hand, always leaves room for second chance; he can always find paths that lead to liberation and salvation.

Forgiveness changed that woman’s life. Mercy and misery embraced. Mercy and misery met there, and the woman’s life changed.

Pope Francis' Homily for 5 Sunday of Lent C
April 3, 2022

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University