EDITORIAL

Let the light of God’s mercy convict us of our sins

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This Sunday’s Gospel reading is the story of the woman caught in adultery, taken from John, chapter 8. In this familiar text we see the difference between “condemning” and “convicting.” The scribes and Pharisees “condemn” the adulterous woman as a hopeless sinner who needs to be stoned and disposed of. Jesus, on the other hand, does not condemn anyone. Rather, he “convicts” — both the woman and her accusers — of their sins, and invites them to change their hearts and their lives. As he says to the woman: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

The season of Lent is a time when we are invited to reflect on our lives in the light of the Gospel of Jesus — and to allow that light to convict us of our sins. That experience of being “convicted” should then lead us to repentance — and confession.

On that note, have you received the sacrament of Reconciliation yet during this holy season? If not, what are you waiting for?