To forgive is divine

		Living the Scriptures  with St. Paul University  Catholic Center  Fr. Randy J. Timmerman, D. Min

"Then Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.'"

This teaching is at the heart of the call to conversion. At its very center is the grace to remain in the world of non-judgment and non-violence.

Too often we react to violence with more violence; our attitude is: I must get even.

Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 28, 2004) Is 43:16-21 Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 Phil 3:8-14 Jn 8:1-11

Notice Jesus' response as the woman caught in the adultery is brought before him. Jesus is very much aware of the Mosaic law which advised the stoning of such a woman.

His first response or reaction is crucial for living in the world of non-violence. He pauses, bends down, and "begins to write on the ground with his finger."

He reflects and truly discerns. He does not quickly react with more words at the level of behavior and malice, but quietly moves inward to his image of who He is in God.

Certainly he understands the world of love does not allow for the world of violence or judgment or revenge. Following his reflection and discernment, he teaches: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."

The scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders live at the level of behavior, the external. Their mindset is preoccupied with the Mosaic law and the ritual observance of the law at all costs.

	Reflection questions • What is my first response when others wrong me? • How can I develop a practice of pausing and reflecting before reacting to the violence I encounter? • Where in my life am I invited to live in the world of non-judgment and non-violence?

However, we see that Jesus lives at a much deeper level than the external. He lives in the Spirit. Because he is grounded in such a deep place where there is only love, he is doesn't go to that external level of condemnation of her behavior.

Jesus does not condone the woman's actions but instead sees her at a much deeper level and encourages her to leave behind her sinful ways.

The other point of truth is Jesus' compassion for her without ridicule. It is only when he is alone with her that he challenges her actions.

Fr. Randy J. Timmerman is pastor of St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison.

St. Paul's Web site is www.stpaulscc.org

Faith Alive!

In a Nutshell Research shows that in homes where faith is discussed and shared, children are twice as likely to be committed to their faith as they grow into adulthood. Long before a child enters formal religious education, the habit of prayer is or is not being developed at home. Children are curious about faith. The family setting is a perfect place for this to surface. Catholic News Service 3211 Fourth St NE Washington DC 20017 202.541.3250 cns@catholicnews.com	Food for Thought   Often parents are astounded -- other times they're confounded -- by questions children raise and conversations they initiate about faith. Baffling, perplexing questions are the child's expertise! There are times of welcome, easy conversation in sharing faith at home. But other times a parent is challenged and must "rise to the occasion"! With that in mind, I want to share what one mother said when our office asked parents how they share faith with their children. Karen Henry of Oregon City, Ore., mother of five from 16 to 25, said: "I found the best way to share our faith was/is to ask the child/young adult what they think, then what they think the church teaches, then go from there. I am very careful to listen closely and answer truthfully. full story   How Parents Form Faith at Home By Mary Jo Pedersen Catholic News Service When a baby cries because she is wet or hungry and a parent picks her up, comforts her and gives her what she needs, that child has had her first lesson in prayer. Though it is helpful later for a child to memorize prayers and learn about different kinds of prayer, a child's prayer will spring from a reservoir of confidence and trust that someone loves her and will respond when she calls. full story  Pass the Food, Pass on Faith By David Michael Thomas Catholic News Service As a father of seven, I see the dinner table as "the classroom" of our little household of faith. Children come to the table hungry for food, and for God and all that's associated with our life with God. Children usually have a deep curiosity about matters connected with Christian faith. The family setting is a perfect place for this to surface and to be respected. full story  Discover How God Already Is at Work in Your Home By Father David K. O'Rourke, OP Catholic News Service We don't have to bring God into our families. We couldn't keep God out even if we tried. The challenge is to learn how, when and where God already is at work in our families. full story
	Faith in the Marketplace   This Week's Discussion Point: What approach worked for you in sharing faith with children and teens at home?     Selected Response From Readers:
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