HOMILY 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT 2025
THE VERY NAUGHTY WOMAN (PRESUMED OR IMPLIED!)
THE MERCY AND FORGIVENESS OF JESUS!
Jn 8.1-11 Is 43.16-21 Phil 3.8-14
Back in 1959, the year I was pushed up to skip Grade 1 at Easter, and won the religion prize in Grade 2 (my one and only religion prize at school!), and the year I received my First Communion, I remember with some trepidation and fear, my First Confession in the darkness of the big brown cupboards (with screens inside), at the front of the church on each side. You either got the stern parish priest (who was briefly PP here at Essendon in 1949-1950!) on one side or the friendly curate on the other, but sometimes you didn’t get a choice!
In preparation, I recall Sister (San Jose, later Frances, I think?), teaching us the Ten Commandments (to be learned by rote), and then as preparation, a list of questions for examination of conscience (many age-inappropriate), as it was considered that 7 years old was sufficient for the age of reason! One thing that stands out is my recollection that adultery was not on my list, and nothing to worry about, because I was only nearly 7, and that must be something for adults only, which I guess was true at the time!
Today’s Gospel is another of Jesus’ classic parables of forgiveness, but they say this one took up to the 3rd century to get into the Gospel, where it’s probably in the wrong spot, because it doesn’t fit in with John’s writing style, but more along the lines of Luke. The ironic thing is that they reckon that it took so long to get in because such a dim view was taken of adultery in the early Church, that they had difficulty accepting such naughtiness could be forgiven, as if it was an unforgivable sin, especially if caught out!!
In fact, in some quarters, it was considered that it was one strike and you were out, after Baptism, for the 3 big ones, of murder, adultery and apostasy or schism (denying or rejecting one’s faith), and if forgiveness was possible, then public penances were required, with the sinner publicly labelled for what he or she had done wrong, required wear sackcloth and ashes as well. Perhaps, to our relief, the ashes of Ash Wednesday are a toning down of that harshness!
That’s apparently one reason why Constantine, who recognized Christianity as the religion of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century, was only baptized on his deathbed. Some say it was to keep his Mum happy; others conclude that it was his fear of committing big unforgivable sins, quite likely in his position as emperor, after Baptism, which was seen to forgive all sins committed in one’s past life, so he waited till the end was near, to be sure, to be sure, he’d get into heaven!!
Then it was the Irish monks who later introduced a more private and personal form of Confession, with penances imposed without any publicity or knowledge of others, so we can thank them for that!
But let’s get back to adultery, with the poor women at the mercy of the judgemental religious leaders, pointing the finger at her, but not a word said about the chap who must have been involved, as if it were all her fault, and he couldn’t help himself! The injustice of it all is so obvious, yet ingrained in the culture was the thought that the woman must have made him do it, just as the Garden of Eden myth has the devil tempting Eve, who gets Adam to taste the forbidden fruit, whatever that might have been.
This image still lives on in the symbol of the Apple logo today, if you’ve noticed, the bite out of the apple on the right hand side! It’s on my MacBook Pro, iPad and iPhone. I can’t get away from it!! But it all comes from the ages old, false and badly misguided: “Blame the female!” She made me do it, if not the devil himself!!
Ultimately, what is certain, is that Jesus once again goes against the norms and usual expectations, by confronting the religious leaders in front of the accused woman, and making them do a bit of personal reflection on their own sinfulness, hidden from sight, but very real, all the same. He stops these foyeurs in their tracks and actions, reaching out to the terrified victim in compassion, mercy and forgiveness. There is no hesitation in giving her another chance at life and living her faith, reconciled and penitent, presumably also aware of the injustice perpetrated against her alone by the self-righteous nasties.
Moreover, after nearly 40 years of judging annulments and interviewing petitioners, it’s fair to say adultery doesn’t usually occur lightly, without some prior difficulties in a broken or dysfunctional relationship. That’s not to say it’s justified, or I’m condoning it, either! Human weakness is part of us all, however, in all sorts of ways, and temptation, temptation, temptation is part of life. It’s how we respond, using free will well, that is the critical issue!
What is reassuring for all of us, however, is that forgiveness is always there, and it’s never too late for another chance, provided there’s a repentant attitude and as they say, a firm intention of amendment. We all keep trying to be faithful disciples, but have to accept the reality of never quite reaching the goal of perfection, no matter how hard we might try, and being at peace with that.
Today, Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion story is about: ”the inspiring story of Lam, a 27-year-old man from rural Vietnam, whose life has been profoundly changed through the generosity of people like you. Your generosity provides tools, training, and opportunities for people like Lam to build a future filled with hope. Project Compassion invites us to be part of transformative change in the lives of others. By supporting this long-standing campaign, we become instruments of God’s love. Together, we can bring hope and opportunity to the most vulnerable. Together, we can Unite Against Poverty and ensure no one is left behind.
john hannon 7th April 2025