GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area,

and all the people started coming to him,

and he sat down and taught them.

Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman

who had been caught in adultery

and made her stand in the middle.

They said to him,

“Teacher, this woman was caught

in the very act of committing adultery.

Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.

So what do you say?”

They said this to test him,

so that they could have some charge to bring against him.

Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.

But when they continued asking him,

he straightened up and said to them,

“Let the one among you who is without sin

be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.

And in response, they went away one by one,

beginning with the elders.

So he was left alone with the woman before him.

Then Jesus straightened up and said to her,

“Woman, where are they?

Has no one condemned you?”

She replied, “No one, sir.”

Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.

Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

The word of the Lord

 

I run towards the goal

The law exists, and Jesus does not deny it. What sin is more painful and harmful than adultery within the family context? There are few situations as hard for a husband. Jesus does not diminish the magnitude or severity of the act. Hence, the strong imperative: ‘From now on, do not sin anymore.’ But the love of God is always greater and stronger than the sin. That ‘Neither do I condemn you’ in the face of such a great infidelity against the will of God, He manifests it greatly. Does she deserve condemnation? Yes, but she is liberated through love.

Applied to married life:

Ana: Don’t argue with me anymore; I know I’ve done wrong. I’ve already asked you for forgiveness because I am very regretful. What else can I do?

Jaime: It’s just that I feel it’s not enough. You’ve hurt me a lot, you know?

Ana: I know, and I know I deserve an unpayable punishment, but that’s why I ask for your forgiveness. Will you have mercy on me as God has mercy on you?

Jaime: You’re right. Other times you have also had mercy on me. I am also a sinner, and I don’t have the right to apply a punishment to you that I have not received myself. I sincerely forgive you and ask for forgiveness for having taken so long to forgive you.

Mother,

Like Saint Paul, I decide not to look back and I run towards the goal that Christ has chosen for me. Praise be to the Lord for His mercy.”