Neither Do I Condemn You.
Dear Parishioners,
Last Sunday’s readings taught us that justice and mercy go hand in hand. The story of the prodigal son and a forgiving father exposed God’s tenderness and merciful heart. In today’s Gospel, Jesus goes further to deepen this essential truth about God.
In the story about the woman caught in a sinful act, he teaches us how to be good and merciful while exercising justice at the same time. It is an important lesson for us. We can all agree that it is necessary to be loving, forgiving and to show mercy. However, people sometimes take advantage of our kindness. It may also give the impression that we are encouraging their behavior. Therefore, are there no limits to forgiving?
Even in our political discussions, you hear similar sentiments and doubts about the extent to forgive. Are we to stand still while others disrespect and abuse our good will? Must we put up with every abuse on the pretext of tolerance and mercifulness? Can the world just simply make progress toward justice and equitable peace by accepting everything without improving anything? These are a few of the questions that tug at our hearts as we reflect on the story of mercy and its application.
The scribes and Pharisees saw an opportunity to trap Jesus by dragging a woman to the public square, intending to humiliate and stone her and force Jesus to weigh in, hoping to indict him too. They were not successful in making Jesus go away. Through several debates and discussions, they had tried to destroy Jesus’ reputation; but most of all to catch him in some act of disobedience. They failed miserably. Then came an opportunity: “This woman has been caught in the act of adultery… what do you have to say about the case?” In their mind, this was a perfect trap to destroy Jesus. They were mistaken.
But Jesus surprised everyone. He did not mount a legal defense of the law. He did not push for the punishment of stoning, nor did he contradict his message of mercy. Jesus’ reaction was odd at the very least. He appeared to show no interest in what was going on. “Jesus bent down and started tracing on the ground with his finger.” It appears that Jesus did not want to take sides. He wanted to uphold the law but also show mercy. He did not want to pass judgment; he refused to play the game. However, he gave the law its true meaning. The scribes and Pharisees failed to do that. They used the law and its interpretation to apply pressure on people and exercise control over them. The law is supposed to unite people, rather than separate them from God.
Jesus wants the law to be a means of carrying out God’s plan of love. God’s law should not be twisted to serve our individual designs. Jesus posed a question that made the crowd look into their consciences. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” If anyone wishes to keep the law, he should start by observing the law. No one has the right to take advantage of the law and impose it on others while he exempts himself. One by one the crowd dispersed, leaving the accused woman alone with Jesus. 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 anymore.”
What a relief! He helped the woman accept herself and healed the humiliation she felt in the public. He encourages her to be faithful to the law from now on. It is an echo of what Isaiah said: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not.” We are so encouraged, because no sin is too big to be forgiven. There is no need to hide in darkness and shadows. This is grace upon grace, and mercy at best. Thank you, Lord.
Sincerely Yours In The Lord,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
