The Fifth Sunday in Lent
The Woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11)
Why this reading from John in the middle of the Year of Luke? All the other gospels during this Lent have been from Luke. The answer is that it is an independent, floating story which does not fit the Gospel of John. In early manuscripts of the Gospels it floats around in various positions before it becomes anchored as an example of Jesus’ saying just before, ‘Our Law does not allow us to pass judgement on anyone without first giving him a hearing’ (John 7.51). It fits in this year because the tone of the story and the theme of welcome for the repentant sinner are both thoroughly Lukan, constantly stressed in Luke, for example, by the Parable of the Prodigal Son. What did Jesus write on the ground, or was he just doodling to allow the accusers time to reflect on their self-righteousness? It is made clear throughout the Gospel of Luke that you cannot be a follower of Christ without first admitting your sinfulness. Peter in the boat tells Jesus to leave, for he is a sinner. Zacchaeus promises to make multiple restitution for his embezzlements. The woman at the supper weeps for her sins at Jesus’ feet.
Fr Henry Wansbrough OSB