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Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 125 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11
The prophet Isaiah in 8th century BCE spoke to the people of Israel about beginning again. There is no need to dwell on the past, he said, when they had been defeated in battle and taken into exile. God is now doing something new and new life will begin to sprout in the desert.
Similarly, the author of 4th gospel describes a situation when a woman who having been caught in the act of adultery, was condemned by law to be stoned to death. Plainly the woman had committed sin, but Jesus does not condemn her. Witnesses to a sin such as adultery had special responsibility for the death of the one found guilty. Here they are challenged to throw the first stone if they themselves are without sin but they cannot do this, so each walks away. Jesus forgives the sinful woman just as God forgives. The past is finished with and a new beginning, a new life is made possible.
As St Paul says, we are to forget the past and strain ahead for what is still to come - the sure hope of the resurrection and the joy of fullness of life with God. Every Easter liturgy we have a taste of that life to come. Can you prepare for that day and long for it? Can you begin a new life today? What does that mean for you?