John 8: 1 - 11

This reading is one that I think of often.

First, I hear "It's not fair." It wasn't fair for Jesus or for the
woman! The Jewish people were legalistic people. The law
was clear. The woman was "caught" in adultery and the
punishment was written. However, two people must be caught
in adultery, not one. Where was he? It was clear to Jesus that
this was set up to trap him. What could he say against the law?

Don't you wish, as I do, you knew what Jesus wrote on the
ground? Perhaps a list of sins?

Second, Jesus says "Let the one among you who has no sin be the
first to cast a stone at her." Who of us has not been quick to judge:
the driver who cuts us off; the shopper who goes to the 15-items-or-
less lane in the grocery store with a lot more; the mother with many
children who needs public assistance, etc. Do we see everyone as the
dear neighbor without distinction?

Jesus knew this woman had done wrong but he didn't condemn her.
He forgave her. He gave us an example to follow. How many of us
really mean "Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who
trespass against us"?

--Sandy Wirth
SSJ Associate

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