Have You Stoned Yourself or Someone Else?

Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 / Jn 8:1-11

A group of young people were talking after a Church penance service and were amusing themselves through the sharing of the various penances they each received. One particular gentleman upon hearing his peer’s penance stood up and shouted, “That’s not fair! I know that you deserved a greater penance than me.” He then proceeded to rattle off the sins of his friend that would justify his judgment.

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In today’s gospel, we hear the story of the woman who was publicly condemned for her many sins. Jesus, unlike the community in which she lived, destroys her sin through public forgiveness. Rather than casting a stone towards her for each of her sins, He pardons her with a few words and gives her the freedom to be released from her struggles.

How many times have we been like Jesus with those around us? How many times have we stoned others with our words of hatred, accusation, envy, or greed? Have we given others the opportunity to find freedom in their aversion from sin or have we tried to bind them with reminders of their past sins?

It is time to remember the example of Jesus in today’s gospel and practice acceptance, forgiveness and mercy.