|
Read John 8:2-11
Imagine yourself in the great Temple in Jerusalem. You have gone there
because you heard that Jesus was going to be there on this day. Jesus
is seated and teaching. Suddenly the atmosphere is changed. The Scribes
and the Pharisees have presented a woman caught in adultery. They cite
the law of Moses (Deut.22:23-4) decreeing the death penalty. And then
to trap Jesus they query: "What do you say?"
The dilemma is obvious. Whatever answer Jesus gives exposes him to criticism.
Instead he challenges them. Since you are good men, teachers, and observers
of the law, let the most sinless among you throw the first stone. As
these accusers all filed away Jesus looks with pity at this terrified
woman and condemns her not.
Dear Jesus, I marvel how you sidestepped a mine field. You did not criticize
the law; neither did you endorse its application. Instead you saw the
pride of observant leaders and raised the bar for judgment: the executioner
is the one without sin and as St. John wrote " if we say we
have no sin in us, we are deceiving ourselves"( I John 1:8)
Then, after dealing with the arrogant, you turned to the shamed woman,
accepting her tearful sorrow, and telling her to sin no more.
Such compassion, Lord! You identified with her suffering, and you broke
the bond of guilt with an acceptance that seemed legally impossible.
Over and over again, dear Lord, you exemplified compassion, mercy, You
accepted weakness and forgave. You are our God- gracious and forgiving,
loving us unconditionally.
Lord, I am overwhelmed by your great love. Help me to believe and trust
in your acceptance of me. For I too, am a sinner. Help me to be compassionate
and non-judgmental of others. Lord, I love you, help me to love yet
more.
 The
sky tells the glory of God,
tells the genius of God’s work.
Day carries the news to day,
night brings the message to night,
without a word, without a sound,
without a voice being heard,
yet their message fills the world
their news reaches its rim.
There God has pitched a tent
for the sun to rest and rise renewed
like a bridegroom rising from bed,
an athlete eager to run the race.
It springs from the end of the earth
runs a course across the sky
to win the race at heavens end.
Nothing on earth escapes its heat.
(Psalm 19)
right: detail from Turner painting
day two: reflection and some questions
|
