Writing in the Dirt
 This Sunday’s Gospel passage presents the episode of the woman caught in adultery. To test Jesus’ orthodoxy, the scribes and Pharisees bring this woman before him to see what he will do. Will he condemn her and consent to her public stoning? Will he instead vigorously defend her? Will he say nothing at all? What happens next is nothing short of amazing. Jesus bends down and begins to write in the dirt, and then says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one they drop their stones and walk away. There has probably been much ink spilled on what Jesus was writing in the dirt that day. Was it the sins of the woman, which he then swept away in a kind of sacramental absolution? Was it the sins of those looking on, who in seeing their own sin called out in this way could only leave shamefaced? Was it something else entirely? After they all depart, Jesus asks the woman, “Has no one condemned you?” She answers, “No one, sir.” And Jesus replies, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” With that last line it would seem that this woman was not entirely innocent, and yet Jesus models for us a new way, a compassionate way, that neither shies away from the reality of sin, nor rushes to condemn. It seems to me that this is an approach we could all learn from in a world that tries to force us more and more into “either/or” ways of thinking. As we enter these final weeks of our Lenten journey, may we seek true justice while imitating God’s generous mercy. Fr. Thom. |
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Pacem in Terris Award Celebration
Tuesday, April 9 - 7 pm
Rogalski Center Ballroom
The Pacem in Terris "Peace on Earth" award is given by the Diocese of Davenport to honor those working to bring about the peace of God in this world. This year's recipient is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Bishop Zinkula visited the Dalai Lama in Northern India, and will share and celebrate him at the award celebration here on campus. All are welcome! |
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Service on SaturdaySaturday, April 6 From 9 - 11 am Help spruce up the neighborhood for Project Renewal as they prepare for next week's FitFest event on April 13. Sign up here!
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Project Renewal Fit FestSaturday, April 13 8 - 11 am Join us next Saturday for a fitness festival with and for kids & families from Project Renewal. We are looking for volunteers to help with the events of the day. Contact us to sign up!
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Online Stations of the Crosshttps://saustations.blogspot.com/Our Online Stations of the Cross provide a great resource for Lent no matter where you are. Each station features reflections from a current SAU student, as well as the Station artwork from Fr. Edward Catich, as featured in Christ the King Chapel. Be sure to view the entire collection!
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A Story of Hope from Gaza
Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that there is a dignity to work, and that the economy must be made to serve people, not the other way around. Learn more about how your Rice Bowl donations help to preserve human rights by learning about the economic situation in Gaza. Please pick up and fill up your Rice Bowl, or click here to donate online! |
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Ambrosian Reflectionshttps://saulent.blogspot.com/Hear from the collective wisdom of SAU faculty and staff as they reflect on the weekday readings during Lent. New reflections posted every weekday school is in session until Holy Thursday.
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Music for Commencement MassAll SAU students, faculty, and staff are invited to assist with music for the Commencement Mass on Saturday, May 11 at 9 am in the Chapel. Help make a beautiful send-off for our graduates! Rehearsals start May 2. Contact Chris to learn more.
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2018-2019 Service Hours
Help us tally all the hours of service that our students, faculty, and staff have done in the past academic year! This is a great way for us to recognize our university's commitment to the Catholic values of service and justice. Last year, SAU completed 180,271 hours of service! Can't wait to see what this year brought. Click here to log your service hours! |
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Feminists for Life TalkAugustana College Friday, April 12 - 4 pm Augustana College is hosting Joyce McCauley-Benner from Feminists for Life, a pro-life feminist group, to give a talk titled "Victory over Violence." The talk is in the Olin Auditorium at the Olin Center. Learn more here. Students who want to carpool can contact us.
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QUICK BUZZ
- Lent is a perfect time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Offered before every daily mass at: 11:15 am Monday/Friday; 3:45 pm Tuesday/Thursday; & 8:30 pm Wednesday. Also available by appointment. Contact Fr. Thom to learn more.
- BeesKnees is our prayer chain for the needs of our St. Ambrose community. Email BeesKnees@sau.edu Have a prayer request, or want to join.
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