Monday, April 11: by Gigi A.

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 any more.”

John 8:7 "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone"
Sometimes, conciously or unconciously, we are like the Scribes and the Pharisees who look down on others. Let us for a minute reflect on that. Do we throw big stones at others? Isn't the mere act of stoning uncharitable whether we do it inconspicuously or throw a small stone? Do we sugarcoat, justify or minimize our condemnations? What about our own sins? Do we continue to "beat ourselves up" after having received His forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Jesus was very clear with His message. Show love and mercy. This is not easy and we can't do it with our own will and strength. Let us ask Him to give us the grace to detest the sin and to love the sinner.
 
Challenge: Today, let us be aware of one thought or act of condemnation and try to look at the person through Jesus' eyes. Oh! and try to go to Penance Service tonight at 7:30 in the Worship Center. He is awesome and merciful.
John 8:11 Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, from now on do not sin anymore."