Not to Condemn, but to Save

Today's Mass Readings

The juxtaposition of today’s first reading and gospel are intriguing. At first read, we might think that the two women in these stories represent complete opposites. Susanna from the Book of Daniel is described as God-fearing and married to a very well-respected man. When confronted with the choices between remaining innocent yet being convicted and sinning yet going free, she chooses to be falsely accused. Her integrity before God is her first priority, despite knowing how others will judge her. The woman described in the Gospel of John passage, on the other hand, was caught in the very act of adultery. Clearly she is guilty. Beyond this simple contrast, however, we might consider instead the state of the accusers. In the case of Susanna, it is clear that the elders are at fault. They are sinning in attempting to have sex with her and in falsely accusing her. They feel no regret that Susanna is to be killed because of their false accusation. In the case of the woman caught in the act of adultery, Jesus raises a poignant remark to her accusers when he says, “Let the one among you who is without sinbe the first to throw a stone at her” (Jn. 8:7). Who among them was without sin? Apparently no one, as attested to their desertion following Jesus’ comment.

We can further notice in this gospel passage the little concern for the woman herself, as also is the case with Susanna. John clearly describes the woman being brought to Jesus as a “test.” This test is to see if Jesus will follow the law or break the law. The people don’t really care about the woman, and here they further imitate Susanna’s accusers. Daniel and Jesus, however, do really care about the women in question. Daniel’s reason is clear: he cannot stand to see an innocent and holy woman put to death unfairly. But why should Jesus care about a woman caught in adultery – a sin that is patently obvious?

The last line of today’s gospel passage is instructive for this. Jesus tells the woman that he does not condemn her. But he also asks her not to sin any longer. Like this woman and her accusers, we too are sinners. Acknowledging that is one of the important penitential aspects of Lent. But even more important in these last weeks of Lent, is to realize that Jesus did not come to earth to condemn us for our sin. He came to save us from our sin. Our duty is to respond to that enormous gift of redemption by striving to live holy lives.

In this penultimate week of Lent, let us turn our hearts and minds to the wonderful gift of salvation we have through Jesus, our redeemer. He does not die and rise in order to condemn us, but to save us.

- Maria Morrow