St. Augustine described it: “Miseria et Misericordia” Misery and Mercy.
Jesus arrives in the
Temple area and a woman is brought forward – she has been caught breaking the
Law of Moses. Jesus quickly understands the woman is not the one on trial here.
They are using her. He is on trial. And, his and her life is in the balance.
They mockingly call Him “Teacher.” This one (notice, no name) has been caught
in the act of adultery.
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Did the husband
set a trap, knowing that she would die?
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- Did the enemies
of the husband set a trap, trying to shame him?
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Either way, a
story of incredible malice. The Law of Moses was meant to bring people closer
to God, not to destroy them. Further, they now stand as breakers of the Law,
because they did not bring her accomplice, who also, according to the Law, must
be put to death.
Here’s the trap:
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If Jesus says
stone her, the Romans will come after Him. The Jews were not allowed to carry
out capital punishment. Also, Jesus would be abandoning his Mission of Mercy.
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If Jesus says do
not stone her, He will be considered a breaker of the Law.
So, He writes on the
ground – what???
Was he thinking about what
his Mother could have gone through as she carried Him, if not for His good and
decent Father Joseph? Was He writing their sins on the ground. Recall how God
with His finger wrote the 10 commandments.
“Let the one among you
without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. One by one, the stones are dropped. Now, they are alone.
A Spiritual Work of Mercy –
Admonish the Sinner – but how?
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Remember ice
skating and having trouble getting up – get on your knees first – get on your
knees.
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Someone accused a
playmate of doing something wrong. Started pointing the finger. Teacher said –
notice your hand when you point your finger – three are pointing back with you.
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But for the grace
of God, that’s me.
Where are your accusers? –
no one – neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” Misery and Mercy!!!
