“Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin any more” (John 8:11)

To be dragged out through the busy streets in front of a huge crowd and publicly humiliated in the worst possible way in the society of that time must’ve been as bad as it could get. But then to have the death sentence by stoning to follow, well, that is just unimaginable.

Thank God we know the rest of the story…. This is the great dramatic scene we hear in today’s gospel reading. Jesus says: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“Mark Jesus’ reply. It contains justice, clemency, and truth in full measure... What is this, Lord, are you giving approval to immorality? Not at all. Take note of what follows: “Go and sin no more.” You see then that the Lord does indeed pass sentence, but it is sin he condemns, not people. He said: ‘Neither will I condemn you’: you need have no fear of the past, but beware of what you do in the future. ‘Neither will I condemn you’: I have blotted out what you have done; now observe what I have commanded, in order to obtain what I have promised” (Mass Readings Explained, De. Brant Pitre).

This is the God we serve, the God we love, to go to just next week on Palm Sunday when we will see enter triumphantly into Jerusalem as the Messiah, then violently arrested, condemned, then publicly humiliated, scourged and finally nailed to a cross.

“All is loss since I have known the excelling knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:8) This week we have the third and last of the Lent

OCIA Scrutinies at the 9:30AM Sunday Morning Mass.

The Raising of Lazarus is The Gospel for this Mass.

In Jesus’ poignant reaction to the death of his friend Lazarus and the grief of his sisters, we see once again how closely our God identifies with us and all of our sufferings and burdens. His tenderness and compassion teach us that we can safely surrender our lives to Him knowing that He will care for us. His raising of Lazarus from the dead demonstrates His power over all things, even death itself, reminding us that we have an awesome God!

Many of you have already submitted your God’s House, Our Home Commitment Card to the parish so that your contributions to the offertory will continue to advance our parish mission. Thank you! All funds raised with this stewardship program will be used to cover expenses associated with running our parish and our goal is 100% participation! Please return your Commitment Card this week by:

• Mailing it to the church using the preaddressed envelope included with the letter sent to your home.
• Or by bringing it to Mass next Sunday.
• Or you may visit our parish website at www.bscaz.org and complete an electronic God's House, Our Home Commitment Card there.

Blessed Sacrament Church is the wonderful parish because of YOU and what each one of you make of it! Thank you for your generosity!

Fr. Kilian, Fr. Samuel, our Deacons and our Parish Staff and Volunteers.

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