WEEKLY REFLECTION 

One week ago, we had the parable of the prodigal son, here we have the story of the prodigal daughter. “Neither do I condemn you.” Jesus always condemns the sin, but he loves the sinner. We are called to look at the lives of others the way that Jesus does: recognize the corruption, hate sin, but love the sinner. Love the person and hate their sin. This is what we should learn from Jesus and what we should practice.

He is saying to accusers: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” 

“Before you pick up that stone, take a good look in the mirror. Make sure you are morally qualified to put this woman to death. If not, put that stone down.” 

Accusers wanted to talk about the woman; Jesus wanted to talk about them. Our Lord saw the woman’s sin, and he saw their hearts. Compared to them, she looked almost innocent. 

Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” Jesus saved her from all condemnation and punishment of sin. When Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you,” he was not condemning her. It implied that Jesus himself would be fully responsible for her sin and be condemned and punished in her place. Jesus did so through his death on the cross. 

Most parents cannot see their children suffer from serious illness or any pain. Instead, they themselves want to suffer. This is what Jesus did for the woman and for each of us. He could not see each of his people be condemned and punished and suffer eternally in the fire of hell. 

So he chose to be condemned and suffer for us. Indeed he was punished for our sins. He took all our sins upon himself and was condemned with full responsibility so as to save us from all the condemnations of sin and punishment. 

Jesus declared, "Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus not only saved the woman from condemnation but also gave her a clear life direction. The story points us to the message of the whole New Testament: We are called to be holy as God is holy. Jesus is the Lord of the second chance He pardoned this woman caught in the act, and then he set her free to live a brand-new life. 

Jesus is the Friend of Sinners. He is the friend, and we are the sinners! If you feel the heavy weight of sin, run to the cross where Jesus died for you. Come to Christ and he will not turn you away. The Savior speaks the same words today he spoke so long ago: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” 

This woman stood before the crowd, and before the Lord, almost naked. This is the part that reminds me of my death. One day we will die - you and I - and according to the teaching of our Faith, our soul will suddenly find itself standing before Jesus.

The soul will stand before the supreme judge in total transparency. What I am speaking of here are what the Church calls the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven, hell. 

The woman caught in adultery, standing naked and transparent before her Lord, is a powerful image of our own destiny. 

Jesus truly shows himself to be merciful beyond words to each one of the sinners before him. And he shows us the same mercy. There is no sin he will not forgive. 

As Catholics we must confess at least our grave sins, to the priest. Even those of you who have not been in a confessional for many years know, that this is the teaching of your Catholic Church. 

Before the Lord, at the end of our life, we will see ourselves clearly. I sincerely recommend that you avail yourself of the sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter so that you may hear the Judge say: "Neither do I condemn you. Go in peace. Amen."

Reflections courtesy of Evengeli.net.