This weekend we have the distressing scene of the woman who
is dragged before a crowd who want to stone her. It is more distressing not
because of the accusations that are hurled against her but that she is being
used to bring accusations against the person of Jesus. She is simply seen as a
means to an end. Yet in the face of torrents of abuse, Jesus simply bends down
and writes on the ground. Many people have speculated about what he wrote. I
guess we will never know. However, when he straightens up he asks the person
without sin to cast the first stone and then bends down again. The people
accusing the woman drop their stones starting with the eldest and walk away.
Eventually, all the accusers have left the scene and Jesus is left alone with
the woman. He asks if any of those who accused her remain. She states that none
are there. He then says go and sin no more.
What is essential to this gospel passage is that we
are not brought to the point of conversion by coercion, abuse or gossip. The
only way to experience that conversion is to encounter love in the person of
God. It is only in the realization that we are loved by God that hearts can
change. This is at the centre of Gospel it is not by pointing the finger but in
liberating the person from their slavery that lives can change. What enslaves
us from living a life which God desires for us? What assists us to love others who are struggling with an
addiction to sin?
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