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Today we have the very familiar story of
Jesus freeing and forgiving the woman caught in the act of adultery. The Law of
Moses was clear about such matters, but the “law of compassion” and “love” is
meant even to supersede it at times. And the case of comparing one sinful
person with another is one such time: “let
the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
We are all sinful people who have
no right or business judging, condemning and executing one another—as the
golden rule even would also prompt us to do.
If God is willing to forgive,
as is demonstrated by Jesus’ own actions in the passage; then who are we to
show God his business.
The first reading tells of
another woman, Susanna, saved by another young prophet appointed by God,
Daniel, who obviously prefigures Jesus who came to save us. Let us today, like
the two women, be saved, let us today be pardoned, let us today rejoice that we
are so regarded and favored by God – and let us not be so proud as to withhold
such mercy and forgiveness to others.
Especially now, as we are
forced into “close quarter” living – for our health and safety - due to the
coronavirus – this is a choice and excellent time – to grant mercy and
forgiveness to others – over things which might look a lot different now in
this new unfamiliar territory we are all forced to adapt to; and we can even ask
for mercy and forgiveness for ourselves: remember that no one is perfect, no
one, and that we are meant to somehow get along with each other – in very
positive, helpful and compassionate ways: now, if only virtually!
The feast of our redemption is
drawing near, let us enter more than at any other time, into its mystery of
just how life, comes after death, light comes after darkness and healing comes
after great suffering - with a grateful
heart and a willing spirit.
The
Lord is kind and merciful!
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