INTRODUCTION TO THE MASS
Today’s readings guide us on a journey of hope, renewal, and transformation. In the first reading from the Book of Isaiah, God promises to bring about a salvation greater than the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. In the second reading, we hear Paul’s openness to the astonishing gift of God’s Son, Jesus, who enters our world to save us. In the Gospel, Jesus shows us a radically new way of relating to sinners, defying our human expectations. Through these readings, we are invited to see that God’s love and mercy are far greater than we can comprehend.

THE FIRST READING
“I am doing a new thing, and I will give drink to my people.”
A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 43:16-21)

In the first reading, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, offering a powerful message of renewal: “Behold, I am doing a new thing.” God assures His people that despite their past struggles and pain, He will make a way in the wilderness and bring rivers to the desert. This message of hope is not just for the Israelites, but for all of us. God’s ability to transform even the most barren situations is limitless. We are called to open our eyes and recognize the new things God is doing in our lives, especially as we prepare for the joy of Easter. Just as He made a way for Israel in the wilderness, He is making a way for us in the desert places of our hearts.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Ps 126:1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 (R. cf. 3)
R/. What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Indeed, we were glad.

The psalm echoes the joy of those who have experienced God’s transformative work. The exiled Israelites are filled with laughter and songs of joy upon returning to Jerusalem. This joy is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in their lives, and it calls us to reflect on the great deeds God has worked in our own lives. Even in times of sorrow and hardship, God is at work, sowing seeds of hope that will one day bear fruit. As we approach Easter, let us join in this song of joy, praising God for the ways He has brought us through our own trials and offering hope for the future.

SECOND READING
“For Christ’s sake! I have suffered the loss of all things, becoming like Him in His death.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians (Philippians 3:8-14)

In the second reading, Saint Paul reflects on the radical transformation he has experienced through Christ. He counts all his former achievements as “loss” because knowing Christ is of far greater value. Paul’s focus is on gaining Christ, sharing in His sufferings, and ultimately attaining the resurrection from the dead. Paul urges us to forget what lies behind and to press forward toward the goal of being united with Christ. His words challenge us to examine what we hold dear and to recognize that the surpassing worth of knowing Christ far outweighs everything else. As we continue our Lenten journey, let us remember that the ultimate prize is the eternal life promised to us in Christ.

GOSPEL
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 8:1-11)

In today’s Gospel, we encounter Jesus in the temple, where He is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees, who bring before Him a woman caught in adultery. According to the law, she deserves to be stoned, but Jesus offers a surprising response: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, her accusers walk away, leaving Jesus alone with the woman. Jesus, in His infinite mercy, tells her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” This powerful moment reminds us that Jesus does not come to condemn but to offer forgiveness and a new beginning. His mercy is boundless, and He calls us to leave behind our sins and embrace the new life He offers.

In our own lives, we often hold onto judgments and accusations against others, but Jesus calls us to show mercy as He does. We are reminded that we, too, are in need of His forgiveness, and that no matter what we have done, His love is greater than our sin.

CONCLUSION
As we reflect on today’s readings, we are reminded of God’s capacity to do a new thing in our lives. Like the Israelites, we are invited to trust that God is at work, bringing rivers to our deserts. Like Paul, we are called to focus on the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and to press forward in our relationship with Him. And like the woman in the Gospel, we are invited to experience the transformative power of God’s mercy, which offers us new life and hope. As we continue our journey through Lent, let us open our hearts to the new things God is doing in us and be filled with the joy that comes from His great deeds.