Woman Caught in Adultery They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” John: 8:7 The powerful episode of the “Woman Caught in Adultery”, like much of the scriptures can be looked at from many different levels and perspectives. The situation for the woman must have been terrifying, as well as humiliating. To be brought out in public and made a spectacle, a laughingstock is probably one of the direst situations one can find themselves in. In a scenario like this one’s self-respect is stripped away, and one feels helpless, as well as hopeless. In the end, it became an embarrassing situation for everyone involved. He called everyone to task. Jesus, because he is merciful, compassionate, as well as loving, will do all can to bring people around. He simply allowed the men time to look within, and see themselves in their own sinfulness, seeing their own self-destructive tendencies and choices. Sin, in any form, is self-destruction. The accusers, perhaps, learned from the event and over time became more compassionate towards others, after they got a dose of self-knowledge, unadorned. Something like the challenge put upon them can be a shocking experience, leading to hopefully a deep conversion. Jesus showed compassion for the woman, and did not shame her, yet even in showing compassion, he did call her to conversion as well. She was forgiven, even after being presented to Jesus in such a comprising circumstance. He showed her respect by challenging her to change her life and live according to God’s law. So it is with many of us. We can be caught in circumstances that are embarrassing, as well as humiliating, stripping away all false notions of ourselves, and showing us the truth of our situation. It can be anything that shatters our cover or injures our sense of self. Yet this experience can lead to deep conversion. Jesus used this instance, to bring about a deep experience of one’s true motives, as well as a weakness to bring about a change of heart to all involved. The light can bring discomfort, but also healing if allowed to do its work. TheLord is always at work to try to bring out good in the face of evil. For all of us there is hope for growth and change no matter what kind of sin, or chaos, we find ourselves in. To ‘sin no more is to live a life that will bring inner healing, the breaking of destructive cycles, and new birth into inner freedom. We are called each day to begin again, for some perhaps it is a call that comes every hour. When Jesus mentioned that we were to forgive 70 X 7 times, he was also talking about the mercy of the Father, which he spent his life seeking to reveal to us. Fear is useless, what is needed is trust.-Br.MD
…I must admit, I’ve wondered that, too. Alas, I then tend to think He was approaching the whole thing from a different angle than my feeble mind could do.
I really don't believe it was an issue. I think we need to look at the context of the Torah. Traditionally, while in the 40-year sojourn in the desert, the Ten Commandments were expanded by Moses under the Lord's direction to include the Levitical prescriptions for sacrifice, and the moral prescriptions defining limits and punishments for offenses. At that time, compared to the codes of behavior of other peoples (in spite of similarities), the Torah generally was more just and less severe. In first-century Palestine, the Torah was still in place and functioning. When the elders brought this case before Jesus, the question whether or not the punishment was just, isn't the issue. The Elders were hoping Jesus' propensity toward mercy would lead Him to deny justice by His declaring they should let the adulterous woman go. I believe Jesus responded briefly and with silence in order to remind the elders of their own sinful condition (which they hid under false piety) and also to avoid their clever trap (for His hour had not yet come). It is interesting that the Jews were also under the rule of Rome, which if aware of the situation, would have demanded the woman be executed along with the guilty man (who appeared not to be present). Jesus knew that, and by His silence and convicting question was able to pierce their consciences and then show compassion to the woman. For what it's worth, that is my take. Lord have Mercy!
Speaking of somewhat embarrassing circumstances, at last evening's Holy Masses I floundered a bit with my homilies. Over dinner, Geralyn pointed this out, so I decided last night to revamp my homily. It all went better at this morning's Holy Masses! Praise God for an insightful and honest wife!
I looked at this passage more from the accusers vantage point. I see many, many times in my life…in my personal relationships where I gladly pick up “ stones” to throw at others. This passage is quite a good reminder of that for me a a cause for reflection and conversion for the times I hurl stones. Peace.
I was wondering about the punishments under the law of Moses just recently. It struck me that scripture points out that St Joseph didn't want to publicly expose the Virgin because he was just. "Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately." The way I read that, it's as if God allowed the reactions of the unjust to be a punishment for certain sins under the law of Moses. But as a just man, St Joseph could never have publicly accused Mary.
That is a good question. I have often wondered how often that was actually carried out, the stoning. If you live in a small village, I doubt you would want to stone someone you knew all of your life. However, I personally thought that one reason for not bringing this out to the public was to protect her, Mary's FIAT was costly for sure. peace Mark
