The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is from John 8:1-11. To prepare your students to hear God's Word, pray this guided meditation with them during the week. Begin by saying: "This meditation takes you next to Jesus as he is confronted with amoral dilemma. Allow yourself to listen carefully and watch intensely as this drama unfolds and Jesus asks each of us, 'Who are you to throw the first stone?' Prepare yoursef...
Enter in this place.
Relax.
Sit quietly.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Be still.
Relax.
Let all your worries fly away.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Imagine...
Hear the sounds of city life.
Feel all the people surrounding Jesus.
You are there on the streets with Jesus.
You are listening to his teaching.
Imagine yourself there.
Some important men from the Temple come pushing through the crowd.
They are dragging a lady by both arms.
They push her in front of Jesus.
She falls at Jesus' feet.
Listen to the gossip of the crowd.
"This woman," they say, "was caught in the act of adultery.
The law tells us that we should stone her.
What do you think, Jesus?"
There is a pause.
People near you pick up stones.
They are eager.
Sit with this energy around you.
Look for Jesus.
He is bent down drawing in the sand.
Everyone is waiting.
Be with the waiting.
The crowd is restless.
The woman is just there, alone.
Look at her.
Jesus finally stops playing with the sand.
He looks up but does not stand up.
He is ready to speak.
You listen attentively.
Everybody quiets down.
He says, "Let the one among you who has never sinned throw the first stone."
He bends down again, drawing in the sand with his finger.
What do you think?
What do you feel as you watch him?
People around you toss their stones on the ground,
shrug their shoulders,
walk away.
The important men stomp away angrily.
Look at Jesus and the woman before him.
Jesus finally stands up.
He looks around.
He asks the lady, "Where did everyone go—did no one condemn you?"
The woman answers, "No one, sir."
Jesus looks into her eyes.
"Neither do I condemn you.
Go home and do not sin again."
Watch what happens.
How does the woman respond?
Jesus turns to you.
He tells you, "Look into your own life."
Do what Jesus says.
Examine your life.
Where have you sinned?
Where have you judged?
Tell Jesus.
Listen to his reply.
It's time to come back to this place.
Say good-bye.
Ask Jesus to enger your heart as you go into your day.
Tell him thank you.
Gently open your eyes.
Remember what you just experienced.
Slowly sit up.
This Guided Meditation was originally published in Encountering Jesus: 20 Guided Meditations on His Care and Compassion by Patty McCulloch.
