The Fifth Sunday of Lent

Isaiah 43:16–21: Ps 126 “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy”; Philippians 3:8; John 8:1–11.“I am doing something new!” the LORD says to Isaiah as he and the exiles return to the holy land, pointing out that mercy and salvation were not onetime gifts to the Chosen People, but were being given right now, transforming them and the world. Paul testifies to his transformation, leaving everything behind to pursue perfect union with Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus forgives the adulterous woman, giving life when she faced certain death. Listening to today’s readings, let us thank God for the mercy and salvation we have been given.




 
四旬期第五主日 

今天福音記載一個我們熟悉的故事，展示出人類的劣根性。法學士和法利賽人不懷好意地帶來一個犯姦淫的婦人，要耶穌定罪。他們一方面要給耶穌一個進退兩難的抉擇，好能誣告祂 ； 一方面又要處死那位犯罪的婦人。 

耶穌並沒有被他們難倒，祂做了一件出人意表的 、當時法律上從不曾做過的事，祂沒有宣判，祇靜靜地用指頭在地上寫一些字。這時原告和被告都急切等待宣判，祂祇簡單地說：「你們中誰沒有罪的，先向她投石罷！」大家都是罪人，誰也不能判斷誰，祇好離去了。唯獨吾主耶穌是無罪的，祇有祂才有權定罪。然而，祂對罪婦說：「我也不定你的罪……從今以後，不要再犯罪了！」耶穌要的是一顆悔罪的心。 

我們在《宗徒大事錄》中，讀到聖保祿宗徒皈化的事實，他原本是個殺害基督徒的人，因耶穌的召叫而悔改，把自己祖傳的信仰、習慣、和生活完全放棄了，把它們「當作廢物，為賺得基督」（斐理伯書三：8 ）他這種決心向善的行動，出於勇德，就像孟子所說的「雖千萬人，吾往矣」，這就是說，如果我知道一件事是正確的、良善的事，合乎天主誡命的、雖然千萬人阻止我反對我，雖然要放一切，我都要做。有什麼比歸向天主更正確、更好、更重要呢？

 

It is now the fifth week of Lent, a season marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As we continue our spiritual journey, it's a fitting time to pause and reflect: Where are we on our Lenten journey? Have we kept our personal promises or pursued our communal goals? How far have we come, and what progress have we made?

Today’s Scripture readings focus on the mercy of God and the forgiveness of sin. In imitating God, we are called to practice the virtue of forgiveness toward one another.

We’re all familiar with today’s Gospel. Jesus is challenged by a group of Pharisees and scribes who bring before Him a woman accused of committing adultery.

Let us take a moment to consider the intention of the scribes and Pharisees. They brought the woman forward, not to seek justice or correction, but to trap Jesus. The Gospel is clear about their motive: they were looking for a reason to accuse Him. Their hatred and opposition toward Jesus drove them to act with malice. They cared neither for the well-being of the woman nor for the good of the community. Their only goal was to find grounds to discredit Jesus, whom they saw as a threat to their power and status.

Jesus, however, responded wisely and calmly. Aware of their hypocrisy, He bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. It was a moment of silence, a pause that gave space for reflection. It invited both the accusers and the accused to examine their hearts and listen not only to others but to their own consciences. But the scribes and Pharisees persisted, pressing Jesus for an answer. They were too caught up in their own agenda.
Then Jesus said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” With that statement, He turned their judgment back on themselves. He invited them to examine their own sinfulness before condemning another. Again, He bent down and wrote on the ground. This second silence proved powerful: “They went away one by one, beginning with the elders.” In that moment, they recognized their own faults and quietly left.
So it is with us. When we stand before God, nothing can be hidden. We are exposed before our Creator. Our good deeds and our imperfections are laid bare. In that truth, it is better to bow our heads in humility than to claim self-righteousness.
 
Interestingly, the one person who had not said a word throughout the scene was the woman herself. In those moments of silence, perhaps she too reflected deeply on her life. When Jesus finally asked her, “Has no one condemned you?” she replied, “No one, sir.” Jesus saw her heart. He understood her struggle. And while He did not ignore her actions, neither did He condemn her. Instead, He said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

Here we see both mercy and challenge. Jesus forgives her but also calls her to a new way of life. He invites her to repentance and transformation, not through shame or condemnation, but through love and grace.

There is a profound difference between pointing out sin and condemning the sinner. Too often, we go straight to condemnation, leaving no room for change or mercy. In this Gospel passage, Jesus shows us how to be both demanding and compassionate. We are called to follow His example: to be slow to judge, quick to forgive, and humble in our hearts.
Let us not act out of pride or selfish intent, but come before God with honesty and openness. No matter how great our sin, God’s love is greater. As we continue through this Lenten season, let us make the most of this time. Find a moment of silence, and seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, we will encounter God’s mercy and find true peace in our hearts.

Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB
 Parochial Vicar
 
Mass Intentions For The Week

Sunday              April 6, 2025
 8:45     For the People of Saints Peter and Paul – Intention Mary Edano
 10:15  Thanksgiving Anthony and Anna Lee
 12:00  Loriano & Anita Belluomini + – Loana Bozzetto +
 5:00     The Edward & Eileen Ziomek & Myrtle Lane Families + 

Monday             April 7, 2025
 7:00     Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
 9:00     Biagio & Pina Fazio + –  Justice Tim Reardon + 

Tuesday            April 8, 2025
 7:00     Edward Sabini + – Annette Bonfiglio Crivello +
 9:00     Vincenzo & Mariannina Torrano + – Emma Marquez +

Wednesday    April 9, 2025
 7:00     Virginia Sanguinetti +
 9:00     Domenico, Francesca, Tom, Giuseppe, Lena, and Frances Cresci + 

Thursday          April 10, 2025
 7:00     Dennis Calvert +
 9:00     Louis, Eugenia, & Raymond Raggio + – Gloria Pizzinelli + 

Friday                 April 11, 2025
 7:00     Giuseppe & Angela Balistreri & Family +
 9:00     Anniversary of the Death of Giuilana Marciano + – James Pufahl, Jr. + 

Saturday          April 12, 2025
 7:30     Gaetano Alioto +
 9:00     Mary Lavin & Joseph Lavin + – Flora Marcucci +
 5:00     The Pierini & Spes Families +  – Birthday of Edgardo C. Gamboa + 

 
 
Particular Items 

拜苦路 Chinese Stations of the Cross: Every Sunday of Lent, the Chinese Apostolate hosts Stations in the Don Bosco following the 10:15 AM Mass. 

Easter Memorial Lillies: In a beloved Saints Peter and Paul tradition you can remember a loved one and decorate the Church for the Easter Season at the same time. On April 6 & 13 people will be taking orders in front of the Church or you can email the parish office. 

Bible Study with Fr. Vien! Every Thursday Fr. Vien will host weekly Bible Study at 7:00 PM. Come join with others and deepen your understanding of the Word of God! 

Eucharistic Adoration & Confession/ Anointing of the Sick: We have Adoration & Confession every Friday, following the 7:00 AM Mass. And on the first Friday of the month we have the Anointing following the 7:00 AM Mass. 

Stations of the Cross: We will have Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 6:30pm followed by a soup supper. The Madonna De Lume and Madonna Addolorata will be hosting this Friday, April 12, at 6:30pm. All are welcome! 

40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign! Join in peacefully praying for the end to abortion in San Francisco! The 40 Days for Life campaign runs from March 5 to April 13 at the Planned Parenthood business at 1522 Bush Street. You may sign up for vigil hours here www.40daysforlife.com/sanfrancisco.

Archbishops Annual Appeal 2025! Our AAA for 2025 has begun. This year’s assessment is $65,600, a little lower than last year’s, which we did not quite make. So far, 30 parishioners/families have given or pledged $21,268, leaving us with a balance of $44,332. Join the 1% club! But all amounts greatly appreciated

Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School & Pre-K Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at the school at [email protected], or Barbara Simons at the Pre-K at [email protected] to learn more! 

Sponsor a Student! We are receiving more request for financial aid than ever before. The Salesians started by educating the children of the poor and we are not about to stop now—but like Don Bosco before us we need your help! We invite financially able parishioners to help with this ministry. Please call Fr. Tho at 415-421-0809 or Dr. Lisa Harris at 415-421-5219.

Want to go deeper in Salesian Spirituality? Founded by Don Bosco himself, the Salesian Cooperators are an association of Christians living in the world according to the Chrism of Don Bosco. Formation meetings are held monthly. For more information: Frank Lavin at (415.310.8551, or [email protected]).
 
PLANNED GIVING:  One Charitable Gift, A Legacy of Faith: Consider listing Saints Peter and Paul as beneficiary in your Will (it’s advisable to have one). It preserves the mission and values of the church in its ministry. 
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH A PLANNED GIFT? Call for information: Fr. Tho Bui, 415-421-0809 or [email protected] 

Catholic Medical Care right in our Parish! Bella Primary Care offers primary & pediatric healthcare in accordance with Catholic principles. They are located at 2000 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 304, in San Francisco. Now scheduling appointments for: 
PEDIATRICS: Wellness visits for ages 6 months to 18 years with our pro-life pediatrician Dr. Virginia Schneider.
WOMEN and MEN: Comprehensive annual exam.
EXPECTANT MOMS: Pregnancy verification, initial ultrasound and blood work.
FERTILITY: Initial and follow-up appointments using natural fertility assessment methods.
For appointments, call 415-775-1500 or email our office at [email protected]  We look forward to caring for your families in a Christ-centered way! 

Liturgical Calendar
Sunday               06          The Fifth Sunday of Lent
Monday              07          Lenten Weekday, John Baptiste de La Salle
Tuesday             08          Lenten Weekday
Wednesday        09          Lenten Weekday
Thursday           10          Lenten Weekday
Friday                 11          Lenten Weekday, Stanislaus; Bishop, Martyr
Saturday            12          Lenten Weekday
Sunday               3          Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Your gifts of March 29 & 30:                                                  $3,323.
Goal:                                                                                      $8,670.
Shortfall:                                                                                $5,347.
Second Collection (Catholic Relief Services):                       $1,041. 

We are always in shortfall. Fr. Tho asks for your help Please consider donating an amount equal to a breakfast or lunch or movie ticket. Your parish needs & appreciates your support!