5TH WEEK OF LENT

Neither do I condemn you.

Take some time to place yourself in this dramatic scene. The scribes and Pharisees had just brought a woman to Jesus. She had been caught in adultery and was forced to stand in the midst of a crowd. People milled about and buzzed with excitement, wondering what would happen.

This scene played out in the courtyard of the Temple, which was right under a Roman guard tower. Perhaps you are a soldier standing by to see what develops, hoping you won’t have to take a stand. Capital punishment is reserved to the occupying army, but you’d much rather have the Jews deal with their own religious and moral squabbles without you having to get involved.

Perhaps you are one of the accusers, dragging the woman in front of Jesus to make trouble for him. If Jesus tries to extend mercy to her, you’ll accuse him of condoning sin and being soft on the sacred Law of Moses. Then, of course, he wouldn’t be a trustworthy teacher or spiritual guide. If he condemns her to death, he both contradicts his message of mercy and risks the wrath of the occupying Romans. Yes, you’ve got Jesus where you want him. The woman is only a means to your end.

Or perhaps you are the woman herself, profoundly aware not only of your adultery but of everything that led you to this moment. You know you’ve done wrong, but you feel helpless and trapped. Why did these men choose you to challenge Jesus? Are you going to be killed? Is there any way out?

As usual, Jesus has the last word, and it surprises everyone. He challenges her accusers’ motives. He refuses to condemn the guilty woman. Instead, he forgives her and offers her the grace to start anew. That’s what he has come to do.

Imagining yourself in the midst of the commotion, wait quietly as Jesus writes on the ground. Watch as he lifts his head and looks into your eyes. What life-giving word is he speaking to you today?

“Jesus, help me see myself with the eyes of love that you turn upon me in this moment.”

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
Psalm 23:1-6
John 8:1-11

WORD AMONG US