Gospel: John 8:1-11
At that time, Jesus withdrew to the Mount of Olives, and at dawn He appeared again in the temple, where the crowd was gathering around Him; and He, seated among them, was teaching. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and placing her in front of Him, they said: “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Moses commands us in the law to stone such women. What do you say?” They asked this to trap Him and to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and began to write on the ground with His finger. As they persisted in 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.” Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they began to leave, one by one, starting with the oldest, until only Jesus and the woman remained standing there. Jesus then straightened up and asked her: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied: “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

Fruit: Not to stone others with my thoughts when they make mistakes.

Guidelines for reflection: How easily we judge others and how benevolent we are with ourselves. Jesus gives us a fabulous lesson of mercy, love, and forgiveness.

1. The rescue of the lost sheep
The episode of the adulteress is a mini drama in two acts. In the first act are the accusers, the woman, and also Jesus. In the second act, only the encounter of mercy between Jesus and the woman remains. The Pharisees set a trap for Jesus. If He says that she should not be stoned, then He goes against Moses’ laws; on the other hand, if He says to stone her, He will lose His reputation as a good teacher. Jesus, with those precise, exact, and profound words, gives us the lesson of our lives. Not only does He respond to the Pharisees, but He appeals to the conscience of each one. Jesus knows our hearts. Curiously, silence fell.

2. The return of the lost sheep
Jesus was the only one who could cast that stone, for He was the only sinless one, but He Himself says that He does not condemn her either. He issues a challenge: go and sin no more. She experiences deep in her heart that Jesus has saved her from being stoned, and something more: she has been reborn through that gaze and those words of mercy. How can one not be moved by such a teaching? It is like a balm that heals the wounded heart of the woman. And like a dagger that pierces the consciences of those who wanted to stone her. Jesus does not intend to say that adultery is a small matter or that it is not a sin. On the contrary, He Himself demands of the woman: “go and sin no more.”

Purpose: Before speaking badly about someone, reflect on whether what I say will truly help in any way.