When Jesus said that only someone who had not sinned should throw the first stone, everyone slipped quietly away. The older ones were more aware of their sins than the younger ones. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness. We are to recognize our sinful nature and look for ways to help others rather than hurt them. In the first reading we see that the Jewish leaders disregarded the law by arresting the woman without the man. In the Gospel proclamation the leaders were using the woman as a trap. If Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, they
would accuse him of violating Moses’ law. If he urged them to execute her, they would report him to the Romans, who did not permit them to carry out executions. Jesus highlighted the importance of compassion and forgiveness. When others are caught in sin, are we quick to pass judgment? To do so is to act as though we have never sinned. It is God’s role to judge, not ours. We should forgive and be compassionate.

PRAYER: Abba Father, give us the grace to forgive and to be compassionate to others. Amen.