This Sunday’s Gospel brings us face-to-face with one of the most moving encounters in all of Scripture: the story of the woman caught in adultery. She is humiliated, shamed, and dragged before Jesus by people ready to condemn her. But Jesus doesn’t join in the condemnation. He simply says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the accusers walk away, and Jesus is left alone with her. He offers her not judgment, but mercy. Not a lecture, but love.
We’ve all been there—caught in a mistake, a failure, a moment of weakness. How we are treated in those moments can shame us and maybe even maim us when done wrongly. But when treated with love and mercy, those memories can form us into gentle caring human beings with empathy for others who make mistakes.
I remember a time when I borrowed a friend’s brand-new car. As I was backing out of my garage, I misjudged the angle and scraped the front bumper, leaving a noticeable gash. My heart sank. I was sick with anxiety and shame. When my friend returned, I nervously confessed what had happened, fully expecting frustration or anger. Instead, he looked at the bumper, shrugged, and said, “It’s just a car. It’s gonna get bangs and bruises.” He never brought it up again, never fixed the bumper, and every time I saw it or rode in that car, I’d feel that twinge of guilt—but more than that, I’d remember his mercy. We laughed about it many times afterward. It became a lesson for me—not just in humility, but in grace and mercy.
Can we offer that kind of mercy, compassion, and kindness when others make mistakes—especially public ones? Love and kindness have a power that shame never will. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What if we helped people feel loved—even in their mistakes? What if we showed that same grace especially to our children, who are learning and growing, and need to know that failure doesn’t mean they are unloved?
This Sunday afternoon, our 8th graders will be confirmed by Bishop Cantú. What a joy and a privilege it is to witness these young people say yes to the Holy Spirit. Please keep them in your prayers. They are inheriting a complex and challenging world, and they need our support, our encouragement, and most of all, our love. Their faith is a gift to the Church—and a responsibility we all share to help nurture.
I was deeply moved last Saturday at the Youth Assembly at Saint Francis High School. Hundreds of young people gathered to play, to pray, and to speak honestly about their experience of faith and their dreams for the Church. It was powerful. The Church is alive and well in them. Their energy, their desire for authenticity, and their hunger for God give me so much hope. We are blessed to have them—and we should never underestimate the impact our community can have in walking with them.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you to Fr. Dat and the Adoration group for their beautiful morning of prayer, adoration, and reflection last Saturday. The presence of the Lord in the Eucharist is such a gift. I encourage you to spend some time in Adoration—we offer it every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes or a half hour, that time with Jesus can transform the rest of your day or week. Give Him your time, and He will give you His peace.
I am absolutely delighted to announce and heartily congratulate Fr. Chris on the successful completion of his doctoral studies! He has earned his Doctor of Ministry in Evangelization with an emphasis on creation care. His dissertation, “The Gospel of Water: An Evangelical and Catechetical Series for the Local Church,” is a testament to his dedication and insightful scholarship. It tackles the critical issue of the global water crisis, beautifully weaving together scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ to highlight the sacredness of water and the Church’s vital role in addressing this challenge.
Please join me in extending our warmest congratulations and prayers to Fr. Chris on this significant achievement. As we continue through Lent, may we be more like Jesus—slow to judge, quick to forgive, and ready to meet each other in mercy.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan