Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: We find ourselves beginning the last full week of Lent and for me the interesting thing about our Gospel story today has always been that it is only the woman who is brought before Jesus. She was caught in the act of adultery so there had to be a man there but only the woman is dragged before Jesus. It gives you a sense of the injustice that was present in society at that time. Women were pieces of property along with children, not treated in an equal way.
 
Jesus however has a different way of looking at life and society. Perhaps he sees the injustice and responds to it, or perhaps Jesus just sees every person as someone created in the image and likeness of God. Perhaps he sees someone who has made a mistake yet deserves another chance. Perhaps Jesus sees life were the crowd sees death. Perhaps Jesus sees the possibility for change and newness of life and the crowd sees only the law and punishment.
 
Pope Francis constantly challenges us to look at things differently by his words and actions. His picking of the name Francis reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His humility and care for others reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His putting of people first, his care for the poor, his desire for peace reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life.
 
Our challenge as people of faith is to always see and live life through the lens of faith. We are to think of life not death. We are to see others first rather than just ourselves. We are to live compassionate lives of justice and peace.
 
Have a blessed Sunday!