Today, we reflect on the poignant story from the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verses 1-11, where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. This passage reveals profound themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the nature of judgment.
The scene is set as Jesus teaches in the temple. The Pharisees and scribes, seeking to trap Him, bring forth a woman, presumably guilty of a sin that was severe enough to warrant stoning according to the Law of Moses. Their intentions are clear; they wish to test Jesus, to see if He would uphold the law or show compassion.
As they await His response, Jesus bends down and begins to write on the ground. Despite their accusations and the weight of the law bearing down upon this woman, Jesus doesn’t respond immediately. This act of writing raises questions—what did He write? Perhaps He recorded the sins of her accusers. In any case, it signifies a moment of pause, a reminder that judgment must be approached with humility and self-reflection.
When Jesus finally speaks, His words resonate through the ages: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” In this moment, He shifts the focus from the woman’s guilt to the hearts of her accusers. Each of them, confronted with their own flaws, walks away, leaving the woman alone with Jesus.
It’s a powerful reminder that none of us are without sin. We often rush to judge others, forgetting our own shortcomings. Jesus calls us to recognise our own need for mercy before extending it to others.
As He turns to the woman, we witness the heart of God’s love and grace. “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on, sin no more.” In these words, Jesus not only forgives her but also encourages her to embrace a new way of life. He offers a path of transformation, inviting her to leave her sins behind and to step into the light of His love.
This passage teaches us about the incredible power of forgiveness. Jesus’ mercy reminds us that, no matter how grave our sins, we are never beyond the reach of God’s grace. In our own lives, let us strive to mirror this compassion. Instead of casting stones, let us extend hands of kindness and hearts of understanding.
As we go forth today, may we be filled with the spirit of mercy shown to the woman caught in sin. Let us remember to lift each other up, to forgive, and to walk in the light of Christ, sharing His love with the world.
Amen.
GOSPEL:
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit
A Reading from the Gospel of John(8:1-11)
Glory to you, O Lord
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again;
and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them.
The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery;
and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus,
‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’
They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him.
But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger.
As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said,
‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’
Then be bent down and wrote on the ground again.
When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest,
until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said,
‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘
No one, sir‘ she replied.
‘Neither do I condemn you,‘ said Jesus ‘go away, and don’t sin any more.’
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.