John 8, 1-11

March 27, 2023 (Monday)
Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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.”

Reflection:
The episode focuses on the testing of Jesus by the leaders and His brilliant way of dealing with them. It reminds me of the scenes from the Old Testament recalling King Solomon’s method of dealing with the woman who falsely claimed the child (1 Kings 3: 24 -28) and Susana accused of immoral behaviour (Daniel 13). Like the accusers of Susana, the men who brought the women before Jesus were guilty of sin. However, Jesus refuses to take the bait and writes in the sand. We cannot know what he wrote, but it does not matter. Finally, when challenged by Jesus to prove their innocence, they were forced to admit their sinfulness (V 9). Yet Jesus did not condemn any of them, leading them to recognize their sinfulness. Jesus did not condemn the woman either. The episode is more about non-condemnation than forgiveness. However, the ultimate irony was that Jesus, the sinless Son of God was condemned to death on the cross as a sinner. Throughout the episode, Jesus acts with tact and determination in dealing with the religious leaders and with compassionate mercy to the woman caught in a sinful act. He makes it clear to the woman that he had no intention to condemn her, whatever the level of sins committed so far. He advises her not to sin anymore. A positive approach in dealing with hardened criminals can bring about a change of heart. Persons who have been vicious and cruel to others have been converted to mend their life for good. Non-condemnation coupled with compassionate mercy has turned many sinners into saints. Every act of reconciliation, small and big or small on the part of the affected victim, is a sign of ‘neither do I condemn you. Sin no more.’ Let us strive to be extraordinarily generous and magnanimous in our assessment and judgment of others.

Lasallian Guiding Principle:
LGP states that, “Every individual needs to be constantly exposed to or immersed in the pressing social problems to which we subsequently aim to contribute a resolution.” As Lasallians, we need to treat one another mercifully as what god did to us. God showed us this humble origin and enable to realize things in our lives. Let us allow ourselves to be the face of God’s mercy for others.

Prayer:
Synod on Synodality Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved June 22, 2020, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

Prepared by Pratik, Sati D., College of Humanities and Sciences- BS Biochemistry Student, through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages and Advancement, Campus Ministry, and Chaplaincy

Our Daily Lasallian Gospel, Prayer and Reflection is a DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and the Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.
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https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/daily-lasallian-reflection-prayer #300LaSalle