First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-64
Psalm: 23
Gospel: John 8:1-11

The Gospel passage of John today is one of my favorites: to bring this story to life I need to recount it in contemplative prayer.  As I hear about the woman who has been accused of adultery by scribes and Pharisees, I feel troubled and frustrated as, like Susanna in the first reading from Daniel, she is falsely accused.  Things are not always as they appear. Who will listen to her? There is a lack of justice: who will speak up for them?
With our minds eye, let’s review the scene: There is a sense of comfort when Jesus comes on the scene. Rather than interrogate her or her accusers, he remains calm.  He is not dismissive but is very present to the moment, to the person.  His peaceful presence helps to dispel her fear and allows her to concentrate on Jesus.  She must have been curious as Jesus calmly draws in the dirt.  She has no idea what he is doing.  Then he confronts her accusers.
I suppose she cannot believe her ears when he says: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  One by one her accusers walk away. Then Jesus says to her, “Neither do I condemn you.  Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”
Can we hear the support and encouragement in the words of Jesus? Do we feel renewed strength, despite our own brokenness and sinfulness, to live our faith in all aspects of life?
Like you, as I face many unknowns associated with the coronavirus pandemic this Lent, I am reminded of the gentle and powerful presence of Jesus.  It is reassuring to know that that I am not facing any of these challenges alone. I am grateful that God is with me and that He is constantly showing me ways I can be a calming and supportive presence for others, especially in these times when I cannot be physically present.  I pray not to jump to conclusions, to quick judgements, like those so ready to accuse the woman in the Gospel or Susanna in the Book of Daniel. And I pray for you and for me for God’s mercy, for spiritual, mental, emotional and healing for all in our parish community.
This refrain from today’s Psalm is a powerful prayer for these unsettling times:
“Though I walk in the valley of darkness I fear no evil; for you with me.”