Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
As Christians we live in a world where we are surrounded by many people who live and talk very differently than us. Unfortunately, I find it very easy to begin to judge and sometimes this leads to thoughts of condemnation for behaviors I believe are sinful. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus reminds me that treating others in this way is wrong, and does not build up the kingdom. I think that Jesus is telling me to “put down my stone” because I too am a sinner. Jesus shows us that the best way- the only way- to bring about redemption for a sinner is love and mercy. If we truly want to bring Christ and his message to the people around us, we must first love them. When they experience the love of Christ through us, then they will be able to recognize their need for forgiveness and mercy, and they will turn to Christ and believe.
In the gospel story, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman “caught in the very act of committing adultery” (John 8:4) They stand in judgment of the woman stating, “Moses commanded us to stone such a woman” (John 8:5) Jesus recognized that they were testing Him, but He doesn’t succumb to their scrutiny. He reminds the crowd of their own sinfulness and tells them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Mindful of their own sinfulness, everyone leaves the woman alone with Jesus, who tells her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (John 8:11) When I imagine this scene, I picture a woman barely clad standing in the midst of the crowd. She feels humiliated, frightened because she knows she is facing death, and terribly alone. Jesus meets her in this place, loves her first, and then offers her mercy and forgiveness. I suspect that this was truly a life-changing experience for this woman. To face death and condemnation and yet to receive love and forgiveness most likely transformed her outlook on life and how she lived. Although we do not know the rest of the story of this woman’s life, the opportunity for healing and salvation for this woman was made possible only through Jesus’ love and mercy. Even though Jesus is sinless, He does not pick up a stone to condemn, but uses tenderness and compassion to bring wholeness to this woman. As Christians, we are called to do the same.
To live life being non-judgmental is very challenging. To approach others with love and mercy requires the grace of God, since I cannot begin to do this on my own. Recently, I have been trying to truly allow God to help me with these difficult situations. When I find myself judging someone, I take this to the Lord, and I ask for His forgiveness for being judgmental. I then pray that I may be able to see this person as He does, and love this person as He loves. I pray for this individual that he or she may come to know Christ and His love through me, and by that experience desire to seek Jesus, His mercy and forgiveness. Why would people want to know more about Christ, if they believe that because of their sinfulness there will only be judgment and condemnation? How can we bring salvation and Christ to others if they feel alone, humiliated and without hope? I think that Jesus shows us that love is the only way, and therefore I know that He calls me to “put down my stone”. Pope Francis explains this well when he says, “Love neither discriminates nor relativizes because it is merciful. And mercy creates even greater closeness… and, since it truly wishes to help, it seeks the truth that hurts the most- that of sin- but with the aim of finding its proper remedy.” (Only Love Can Save Us) When we love first those around us, people will be attracted to learn more about Jesus and His love. It is through that love, that we come to understand how we are all sinners- forgiven and saved by Christ. Judgment and condemnation will not bring Christ’s healing and redemption to the world- only love and mercy. As Christians maybe we can put down our stones and create a bridge of love and mercy which all people can walk across to meet Christ who awaits them with open arms.
"Heavenly Father, you created us in love. You showed the depth of that love by sending your Son to bring your mercy and forgiveness to bring us back to You. Send down your Spirit, so we can share this love with others, so every person may come to know your love and redemption and turn away from sin and shame. May we do all things to bring you glory. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen."
Marylynn Herchline