For all of today’s readings, click on today’s date at http://www.usccb.org/bible/
(This is the second part of what I wrote in 2001.)
The kingdom of God is a party*
Monday, March 14, 2016
Fifth Week of Lent
John 8:3-8
They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now, what do you say?” Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
The woman felt reality tipping and knew she couldn’t move another step. She fell over and fainted. The men slapped her and woke her up, inside the temple, lying on the ground in a heap. Faces everywhere against the gray sky, looking down at her. The shouts had subsided; and they were talking about her, accusing her, pointing to the man they called Jesus.
She opened her eyes and saw his face. He looked at her. She saw he was not afraid to let her look inside him. He had nothing to hide. For the first time, she stopped thinking about the rocks.
In this new wonderful air, she heard his words clearly. Then he spoke no more, almost as if he were ignoring the men. She knew he was not ignoring her. She felt his presence all around, she felt safe, she felt a pillow under her head. For the first time she could remember, she began to relax.
Her eyes were open wide. She saw the men leave one by one. She saw their disappointment and their shame. She saw them choosing how to live. She saw that Jesus understood them and had given them a chance to change.
Finally only Jesus was left with the woman. He straightened up and asked her,
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
“Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Jesus, what you say to me is just what you say to the woman. And with my eyes open wide I too see your love for me. I am safe and sound and home again. Close my eyes to the ugly selfish sin that calls me away, betrays me and eventually condemns me. I choose you.
*Check out the terrific book by Tony Campolo with the same title, and a similar story…
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1466
