Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

Forgiveness, Mercy, Compassion

~ Rev. Paul Galetto, OSA

Pastor, Saint Paul Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.

Once again Jesus is pitted against the scribes and Pharisees and the interpretation of the law is at issue. The prescribed punishment for an adulterous woman was death by stoning (Ezekiel 16:38-40, Deuteronomy 22:22-24). Jesus is called Teacher and the inference is that he knows the law and its consequences.

The Gospel makes clear that this is not a question of guilt. The biases of her accusers are clear from the outset. The listener senses what Jesus does; something is afoot. It takes two to commit an act of adultery; why is only the woman here? The reader understands that the Pharisees are not questioning her guilt, rather, the position of Jesus. In effect, Jesus stands on trial.

It is unclear why the Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus; we can only speculate that they thought they had a foolproof trap. If Jesus does not consent to her stoning, then he undermines Mosaic law and if he does consent then he places himself in trouble with the Romans who had the exclusive authority to put someone to death. They were challenging the teachings of Jesus regarding mercy and compassion.

Jesus responds in such a manner as to put the Pharisees on trial. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” No death sentence could be carried out without two witnesses who were of upright character. Jesus turned a test of his integrity into one of their own. In a culture focused on honor and shame, Jesus had outwitted them. They were diminished while the reputation of Jesus increased.

Jesus is left alone with her. He treats her not with legalities but with the medicine of mercy. 

A Stone's Throw from Judgment

~ Cheryl Kehoe Rodgers

Saint Patrick Church + Norristown, Pa.

There are so many things going on in this Gospel passage – and so many messages to embrace. And I often thought it would be wonderful if John’s Gospel was required reading for all high school students in the country, regardless of religious beliefs. Maybe if John 8:1-11 was a fundamental lesson taught in the education process, ours would be a less judgmental and more empathetic society.

Yes, there are underlying tones and messages in this passage regarding the Law of Moses, the motives of the Pharisees and the crowd’s condemnation of the woman. But what comes through to me is mercy. Jesus doesn’t accuse, condemn or embarrass the accused woman. In every way he protects her and saves her – by forgiving her. Even when we sin, Jesus comes to us with his hand out to reach us.

That’s the message that speaks to me, that warms my heart. The compassion and forgiveness Jesus showed toward the accused woman lets me know that whatever falls I take, Jesus will be there for me with an outstretched hand, ready and more than willing to help me up. That’s what I need to know – that there are no lost causes – that everyone is worthy of forgiveness.

And, on a side note, I assume the scribes and Pharisees wanting to stone the woman to death were all men. Yet, only the woman, in an adulterous relationship, faced a horrific death.  For sure, it’s a reflection of the times, when woman were less than. Yet, Jesus stretched out his hand to her – and forced the men to look inwardly at their own consciences and actions. Jesus is telling me here that all people, regardless of status or gender, are deserving of all that is right and all that is just.