A reading of the holy Gospel according to Jn 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
REFLECTION:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
When we turn our thoughts to Jesus, we find peace and contentment.
How often did the adulteress have to be careful, looking over her shoulder, as the Mosaic law commanded that she be stoned? Was she breaking the law because of financial needs, was she forced into it or was she unloved and found love in the attentions of men? But how did the men know about her?
Her life must have been miserable. She was given a chance to get her act together and walk away. Jesus taught, the men wanted vengeance and the woman said nothing. Her future was in the hands of others. Jesus defended her and was showing her a new freedom: an opportunity to leave her past behind and never to sin again.
How kind were the words of Jesus. No harshness, no anger, nor hurtful words. Only words of love.
Reconciliation brings us a new freedom, filled with joy and happiness--a weight off our shoulders and everlasting life with God.
"O Lord, my God, in You I take refuge."
(Psalm 27)