12 /13 MARCH 2016 Fifth Sunday of Lent: ST John Vianney Church
12 /13 MARCH 2016 Fifth Sunday of Lent: ST John Vianney Church
12 /13 MARCH 2016 Fifth Sunday of Lent: ST John Vianney Church
West Green
4 Vincent Road, London N15 3QH
Parish Office Tel No: 020-8888-5518 E-mail: westgreen@rcdow.org.uk
Facebook: West Green - St John Vianney Church
Our website: http://stjohnvianneywestgreen.co.uk/
(SJV Parish Centre 020-8888-5518)
Dear Parishioners,
In our first reading today, Isaiah speaks to the people giving
them hope at a time of their captivity in Babylon. St Paul
reminds us that he is willing to sacrifice everything in order to know Jesus he is racing to
the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus: In our
racing to the end of Lent and celebrating Holy Week it is a symbol of our spiritual journey
towards the reward of heaven.
The Gospel has those immortal words: Let the one without sin cast the first stone!
Even though we are sinners ourselves, we often cast the stone of judgement at others.
THE GOSPEL: We look closer at the gospel story where the woman is accused of
committing adultery. The scribes and the Pharisees try to trap Jesus. If he shows
compassion and forgives the woman, he could be accused of encouraging people to break
the Law of Moses. The penalty for adultery was stoning to death if he agreed with this
actions, where was his mercy? Jesus simply turns the tables on those who accused the
woman and also who wanted to snare him he asked them to look at their own sins. At
least they had the humility to walk away one by one!
Here we see Gods mercy in action. We saw it last Sunday in the story of the Prodigal
Son and the forgiving Father. We see it in todays story. Jesus is especially kind to those he
is called to judge. Mercy and forgiveness isnt about condoning the sin, but about pardoning
the sinner. The story reminds us that we should not be too quick to judge and take the high
moral ground.
For Jesus it wasnt a matter of anything goes but he distinguishes between the sin
and the sinner. He tells the woman go away, and do not sin any more.
We need to think long and hard on that compassion of Jesus. Again it is part of our
celebration of the Year of Mercy.
PS: Finally, there is one aspect of the story that always upsets me. Where was the man
who committed adultery? Why was he not brought before the crowd to be stoned as well?
Discuss!!
Have a wonderful week.
Fr Joe
CATECHETICAL PROGRAMMES
Entrance Antiphon
Give me justice, O God,
and plead my cause against a nation that is
faithless.
From the deceitful and cunning rescue me,
for you, O God, are my strength.
First Reading
Isaiah 43:16-21
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalm 125
What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we
were glad.
Second Reading Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel Acclamation
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Now, now it is the Lord who speaks
come back to me with all your heart,
for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel
John 8:1-11
Communion Antiphon
Has no one condemned you, woman? No one,
Lord. Neither shall I condemn you. From now on,
sin no more.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturday: from 9:45 am 10:15am
PARISH TEAM:
Fr. Joe Ryan, Parish Priest
Sr. Clara Segui, Parish Sister
Germaine Ng Ying, Parish Adm/Secretary
In Residence: