5th Sunday of Lent Year C

• First Reading – Isaiah 43:16-21: God, who controls nature and armies, urges to forget the past and see His new works: paths in wilderness, rivers in deserts, providing for His chosen people, made to praise Him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 126: When the Lord restored Zion, our joy was like a dream, filled with laughter and praise. Nations recognized His great deeds. We pray for continued restoration and joyful harvest.
• Second Reading – Philippians 3:8-14: Everything is considered a loss compared to knowing Christ. Righteousness comes from faith, not law. Striving to know Christ’s power and share His sufferings, we press on towards eternal life with Him.
• Gospel – John 8:1-11: At the temple, Jesus encountered a woman accused of adultery, brought by scribes and Pharisees seeking to trap him. He responded wisely, suggesting only a sinless person should cast the first stone. This led her accusers to depart, and Jesus, left alone with the woman, chose not to condemn her, advising her to abandon her sinful life.

Lectionary Reference: 36

If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

Upcoming dates: April 6, 2025, April 2, 2028, March 30, 2031

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C highlights God’s mercy and our journey in faith. The readings guide us to reflect on new beginnings and leaving behind our old ways.

• New Beginnings: In Isaiah, God promises to do something new for His people. This theme reminds us that God always offers us a fresh start.
• Forget the Past: God tells His people to forget former things. This means we should not dwell on past mistakes but focus on the future.
• Striving for Christ: In Philippians, Paul talks about striving to know Christ better. This theme encourages us to make Christ the center of our lives.
• Pressing Onward: Paul also speaks about pressing on towards the goal. This reminds us to keep moving forward in our faith journey.
• God’s Mercy: In the Gospel, Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery. This theme shows that God is always ready to forgive our sins.
• Avoiding Judgement: Jesus tells the accusers that whoever is without sin should throw the first stone. This teaches us not to judge others, as we are all sinners.
• Freedom from Sin: Jesus’ forgiveness brings freedom to the woman. This reminds us that God’s forgiveness frees us from the burden of sin.
• Hope for Renewal: The readings give hope that God will renew our lives. This theme encourages us to trust in God’s promises for a better future.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C calls us to embrace God’s mercy and strive for holiness. It reminds us to leave behind our old ways and look forward to the new life God offers.

A Lesson Plan on Being a Hypocrite

On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, the Gospel reading tells the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders try to trap Jesus by asking if she should be stoned according to the law. Instead of condemning her, Jesus responds with wisdom, saying that whoever is without sin should throw the first stone. This challenges the leaders’ hypocrisy, as they are quick to judge her while ignoring their own sins. One by one, they walk away, realizing their own faults.

This story from the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C teaches us about mercy, forgiveness, and avoiding hypocrisy. Jesus shows compassion to the woman, encouraging her to leave her life of sin without condemning her. This reminds us not to judge others harshly, as we all have our own weaknesses. It challenges us to be honest about our own faults and to show mercy and understanding to others.

Psalm 126’s Joyful Message: Find Hope in God’s Care

On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we reflect on Psalm 126, which is a psalm of gratitude and joy. It reminds us of times when God turned sorrow into happiness, showing His power to change difficult situations. The psalm speaks of people who were once in distress but were filled with laughter and joy when God answered their prayers. It encourages us to remember the good things God has done and to trust Him even in hard times.

Psalm 126 teaches us to always thank God for His goodness and mercy. It shows that God is faithful and can bring joy out of sorrow. During the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we are reminded to look back on our own lives and see how God has helped us through challenges. This reflection encourages us to continue praising Him, knowing that He can always bring light out of darkness.

See a prayer based on Psalm 126

More Lenten Ideas

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C invites us to deepen our commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These Lenten practices help us grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for Easter. Prayer allows us to spend time with God, seeking guidance and strength. Fasting teaches us self-discipline and helps us focus on what truly matters. By letting go of distractions, we make more room for God in our lives.

Almsgiving reminds us to care for others, especially those in need. Sharing our resources and time shows God’s love in action. It helps us move beyond ourselves and become more generous and compassionate. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C encourages us to reflect on these practices and how they can bring renewal to our hearts. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we grow in faith and prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter.

These practices guide us to grow in faith and compassion. For over 75 ideas, see here.

• Go for a Quiet Walk and Pray
• Read a Story from the Gospels
• Give Up Complaining for a Day

Refuse Scapegoating Violence

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C discusses the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8. He highlights how Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who were eager to condemn her. Jesus disarms their violent intentions by challenging them to cast the first stone if they are without sin.

The story illustrates God’s mercy over judgment. Bishop Barron emphasizes that the Church should be a place where the misery of sin meets the mercy of God.

A New Beginning

eff Cavins’ reflection for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C focuses on God doing something new in our lives. He discusses the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8, where Jesus frees her from shame. Cavins explains that Jesus may have written the accusers’ names in the earth, referencing Jeremiah 17:13, showing they had forsaken God.

This act highlights that Jesus offers a new beginning and freedom from shame. We are encouraged to let go of the past and embrace God’s new work in our hearts.

Something New

Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C focuses on the theme of a new Exodus. The First Reading and Psalm recall God’s mighty deeds in the past, but Isaiah promises even greater things. This new Exodus is fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection, offering forgiveness and hope. Paul reminds us to look forward, striving for the resurrection of the dead.

In the Church, God forms a people to announce His praise, providing living waters and salvation. We are called to live with hopeful hearts, looking ahead to God’s promises.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C invites us to reflect on God’s promises, our journey in faith, and the call to forgiveness and change. The readings from Isaiah, Philippians, and the Gospel of John guide us to new beginnings, perseverance, and mercy. These reflections help us understand and apply these lessons in our daily lives.

A New Beginning

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C highlights God’s promise of new beginnings. In the first reading, God speaks through Isaiah, telling His people that He will do something new. He asks them to forget the past and look forward to what He is going to do.

God’s message is clear: He is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This means that even in our hardest times, God is working to bring us hope and renewal. He wants us to trust that He can create new paths and provide for us in unexpected ways.

On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we are reminded to let go of our past mistakes and failures. We should not dwell on what we cannot change. Instead, we should focus on the new opportunities God is giving us. By trusting in His promise, we can move forward with hope and confidence in His plans for us.

Pressing Toward the Goal

On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, Paul reminds us to press on toward our goal in Christ. In the second reading, he speaks about counting everything as loss compared to the greatness of knowing Jesus. Paul shows us that nothing else matters as much as our relationship with Christ.

Paul also tells us that he has not yet reached his goal but keeps striving. This teaches us that our faith journey is ongoing. We must always work to grow closer to Jesus, never feeling we have arrived.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C encourages us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. By focusing on our goal in Christ, we can overcome obstacles and continue to grow in our faith. This reading challenges us to keep moving forward, always seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Forgiveness and Change

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C calls us to change our hearts. Sometimes, we think our righteousness and the law of God give us the right to judge others. But in the gospel, Jesus shows us another way.

Jesus teaches that the life of a sinner is more important than the law. The woman caught in adultery broke the rules, and there’s no denial of that. But Jesus believes in giving second chances, even when the law does not.

The woman in the story remains silent. She does not admit her mistake or apologize. Her silence can be seen in many ways, but it shows she does not make excuses either.

Both the crowd and the woman have strayed from God’s heart and law. We do the same. Like the woman, we might ignore God’s commands and do as we please. Or like the crowd, we might use the law to separate “us” from “them,” wanting punishment for those who fail.

Jesus also shows trust in the crowd. He seems to know that no one will throw a stone. He believes that their goodness will shine through when challenged. We can learn from this in our society.

A good mantra for this gospel is “Forgive her. Change me.” It reminds us to show mercy and seek personal change. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year C encourages us to embrace this lesson.

As we reflect on this gospel, let’s ask God to help us forgive others. Let us also seek change in our own hearts. This way, we follow Jesus’ example on the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C.

As we meditate on the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we are called to embrace new beginnings, press toward our spiritual goals, and show mercy to others. These reflections remind us to trust in God’s promises, strive for a closer relationship with Jesus, and offer forgiveness. By doing so, we grow in faith and follow the example of Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help us embrace new beginnings, strive toward our goals in Christ, and show mercy to others. Guide us to trust in Your promises and grow in our faith. Amen.

• What new beginnings is God offering you in your life?
• How can you let go of past mistakes and focus on the future?
• What does it mean to you to press on toward the goal in Christ?
• How can you make your relationship with Jesus the most important part of your life?
• In what ways can you show mercy and forgiveness to others?
• How does the story of the woman caught in adultery challenge your views on judgment and forgiveness?
• What can you learn from Jesus’ trust in the goodness of the crowd?
• How can you apply the mantra “Forgive her. Change me” in your daily life?
• How does God’s promise to make a way in the wilderness give you hope?
• What steps can you take to grow closer to Jesus and strengthen your faith?

The music selections for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C reflect themes of new beginnings, forgiveness, and our journey of faith. These songs remind us to trust in God’s promise of renewal and to seek a closer relationship with Christ. They also highlight the importance of mercy and compassion in our interactions with others. The mix of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs offers a variety of styles to enrich the liturgical experience and help us connect with these important themes.

• 40 Days by Matt Maher
• As We Gather at Your Table
• Beautiful Things by Grungor
• Change Our Hearts by Rory Cooney
• Christ in Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
• Forty Days and Forty Nights by George H. Smyttan
• Gather Your People by Bob Hurd, Craig Kingsbury & Dominic MacAller
• Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp
• God of Mercy by Ricky Manalo
• How He Loves by David Crowder Band
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• Lay It Down by Matt Maher
• Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
• Lord, Make Us Turn to You by Marty Haugen
• Love Came Down by Bethel Music & Brian Johnson
• O Beauty, Ever Ancient by the St. Louis Jesuits
• Only This I Want by the St. Louis Jesuits
• Psalm 126: The Lord Has Done Great Things by Ricky Manalo
• Remember Your Love by Darryl Ducote & Gary Daigle
• Save Your People by Jim Farrell
• The Lord Has Done Great Things for Us by Jaime Cortez
• The Love of Christ by Christopher Walker & Sr. Paule Freeburg
• The Love of the Lord by Michael Joncas
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham
• Tree of Life by Marty Haugen
• You Are the Healing by Scott Soper
• You Are Welcome Here by Chris Muglia

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and see how they can enhance the worship experience on the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C. Consider trying these songs in your services and suggest your own favorite selections in the comments. Let’s share and learn from each other to create a meaningful and inspiring worship environment.

What date is the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C?

The next date is Sunday April 6, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday of Lent Year A
5th Sunday of Lent Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C?

The Mass readings for Sunday April 6, 2025 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 43:16-21: God’s Promise of Renewal
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 126: Joy in God’s Restoration
Second Reading – Philippians 3:8-14: Pursuing Christ Above All
Gospel – John 8:1-11: Jesus and the Adulterous Woman
If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

What does Isaiah mean by “something new” in the first reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C?

Isaiah means that God will do new things for His people. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we remember that God always gives us new chances and fresh starts.

Why should we forget the past as mentioned in Isaiah 43:18?

God wants us to focus on the new things He is doing. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, this reminds us to move forward and not dwell on past mistakes.

Why does Isaiah speak of making a way in the desert in Isaiah 43:19?

God promises to make a difficult path easier. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, this shows that God helps us through tough times.

What does Paul mean by “rubbish” in the second reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C?

Paul considers everything worthless compared to knowing Christ. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, this teaches us to value our relationship with Jesus above all else.

Why does Paul say he has not yet reached his goal in Philippians 3:12?

Paul is still working towards knowing Christ fully. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we learn that our faith journey is ongoing and we must keep striving.

What does pressing onward in Philippians 3:14 mean for us?

It means to keep working towards being closer to Christ. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we are encouraged to continue growing in our faith.

How can we apply Paul’s message in Philippians 3:13-14 to our lives?

We should focus on what lies ahead and not look back. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, this encourages us to keep our eyes on our faith goals and not be held back by past mistakes.

What lesson can we learn from Jesus forgiving the woman in the Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C?

Jesus shows mercy and does not condemn the woman. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, this teaches us about God’s forgiveness and our need to forgive others.

Why did Jesus challenge the accusers in John 8:7?

Jesus wanted the accusers to recognize their own sins. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, this reminds us not to judge others harshly because we are all sinners.

How does Jesus’ action in John 8:1-11 apply to our lives?

Jesus’ forgiveness shows us how to treat others with compassion. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year C, we learn to show mercy and avoid judging others.