1. The Restorative Face of Mercy 1 Week 1

2. 2 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Father AllWho gave the Law so that people might live in harmony, in justice and in peace.

3. 3 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Son AllWho took people beyond the letter of the Law and taught them to see the mercy at its heart.

4. 4 ReaderWe gather in the name of the Holy Spirit AllWho offers wisdom and understanding to those who seek them— to see beyond the easy and obvious to the right and the true.

5. 5 ReaderWe gather… All(making the Sign of the Cross) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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7. 7  What struck you as you listened to or read the Gospel?  What do you make of how Jesus behaved?  Have you ever seen or heard of someone else acting in a similar way?

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9. 9  What could the woman’s accusers not see that Jesus seems to have been able to?  Why do you think Jesus bent down (twice) to write in the sand?  What might have happened to the woman after the events in this Gospel?

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11.  How can we get the right balance between justice and mercy?  Which is easier—to err on the side of the law or on the side of mercy?  Does anyone have experience of “restorative justice” – and how well did it work for the offender and for the person offended against? 11

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13.  How might I support a prisoner in a way that might help them to change their life? Who might be able to advise?  Is there someone I am holding a grudge against that needs to be sorted out? 13

14. 14 Lord Jesus Christ, you came to call sinners and knelt alongside a woman in the dust and despair— to raise her up to a new life. Give us the grace to feel you alongside us in our sinfulness— to sense your understanding and encouragement to acknowledge our sin but to trust that you carry its burden and call us to live fully and well the rest of the life that is given to us. We ask this in your name. Amen.

15. 15 © 2016 Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Image: Contributor Gino Santa Maria © 123rf.com Department for Spirituality Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, St Vincent’s Offices, St Cuthbert’s House, West Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 7PY Telephone: 0191 243 3302 Email: spirituality@diocesehn.org.uk