Monday March 23, 2015

He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.  John 8: 7     

In Victor Hugo’s novel Les Mise’rables Jean Valjean is imprisoned for nineteen years. His crime? He stole bread to feed his family. The story calls us to remember that things are not always as they seem.

In today’s Gospel, there may be more to the story. A women is caught in the act of adultery. But perhaps she was seduced or forced into the act. Maybe her family abandoned her. Whatever the reason, Jesus forgives her “crime.” He also calls those who condemn her to examine their own failings.

If you are having a difficult time forgiving someone, consider today’s Gospel.  There is nearly always more to the story than we know.