Fr Antonio Pineda
n this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus said to the woman: “Go away and do not sin any more” (John 8:11). Jesus’ words sounded like instructions, orders or even a warning. Some may say they were words of advice. But in truth, Jesus was speaking healing and empowering words. He was giving her the power to go—to walk away from her former way of life—and to begin living a new way.
This is one of many stories in the Gospel of John that recount Jesus bringing healing and new life to someone. He said to a royal official, “Go; your son will live,” and the boy recovered (John 4:50). He said to the man lying by the pool of Bethesda, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk,” and he was healed (5:8). He said to Lazarus, “Come out,” and the dead man rose (11:43). Clearly, when Jesus spoke, he was offering his listeners the power to do something new.
By saying these words to the woman, Jesus wasn’t just forgiving her. He was—as Isaiah describes in our first reading—making a way for her through the wasteland of her sin and offering her strength and restoration (Isaiah 43:19).
As we approach the end of the Lenten season, you can have a similar experience when you come to Jesus in repentance, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As you open your heart and your conscience to him, let him speak words of healing and restoration to you. Let him do something new in you.
So look for an opportunity to go to Confession before Easter. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at St Joseph and the English Martyrs Church every Saturday, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. During the Holy Week, there will be extra opportunities (see the Holy Week timetable). Confessions are also available on request. When you come to Confession, you can trust that the One who said, “Let there be light” is ready to speak words of healing and strength into your woundedness and weakness (Genesis 1:3). As the priest prays that God would bring you “pardon and peace” in the absolution, know that Jesus never tires of speaking these words to you. Every time you come to him, you can be strengthened and receive the grace you need to begin again … and start something new.