Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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 any more.”
Neither do I
1. Mount of Olives. Before making a decision, Jesus goes up the Mount of Olives to pray, finding a quiet space and time for reflection. To take responsibility for the moments we live through, rather than letting difficult circumstances overwhelm us, it’s essential to pause, reflect, and discern the moments when action is required. Life itself demands that we make choices, but they must be made thoughtfully and not rushed. Don’t let the pressure of circumstances cause you to lose your way.
2. A woman. A key distinction here is that this woman’s sin was exposed, while those judging her had their own hidden sins. Often, we judge others based solely on what is visible, without understanding their entire story. We focus on the outcome, ignoring the journey and the effort involved. It’s common to witness situations where people feel judged—maybe you’ve felt this way—but rarely do they feel truly understood. Today, let’s pray for the grace to seek understanding rather than judgment.
3. Writing on the ground. I love St. Augustine’s reflection in which he says that while the accusers were ready to throw stones, Jesus was quietly writing their sins in the dust. We are quick to throw stones but reluctant to admit our own faults. Each of us has something that needs changing and some sin to confess. Today, I will try not to judge; and if I’m tempted to do so, I’ll recall a sin that still troubles me. It serves as a reminder that we all have something to ask forgiveness for, and someone to forgive.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and keep you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
