I feel like sometimes we really gravitate toward labelling and condemning others, as well as ourselves when things fall short of the expectations we have set in our minds. It seems to be a very consistent human tendency, and one that I suspect is part of the continued impact of original sin. It tends to blind us to Gods mercy and love, and that is by the enemies design.
In our Gospel today we hear of the woman caught in the act of adultery, and this was indeed sinful behavior, yet I have always found it both interesting and disturbing that only the woman was brought before Jesus by those in authority, to be condemned as a sinner. I see this as another characteristic that has been inserted into humanity by the enemy, the tendency toward condemnation of the weakest and most vulnerable in society. The fuels of labelling, predation on the weak, and condemnation are an incredibly combustible mix that have caused untold destruction over time.
This antidote for all of this comes from one source alone, God. His infinite compassion, protection, and forgiveness are the only way to combat the destructiveness within. It requires us to meditate on His word, to come to some realization as to why Jesus treated the sinful behavior reported to him the way he did. He did not immediately lash out and condemn the woman, because he knew full well that to do so would require him to condemn at some level everyone there. He knew the human condition that led to this sin, but also the shame, self-reproach, and torment that came with that, and so had compassion. He knew that the woman was the easiest target ot be exploited by tthose in authority just so they could test Him, without ever caring that they would be destroying her in the process. Jesus knew full well that this was anything but the pursuit of righteousness and justice, and these were the very things that He came to instill.
As we make our way through the Lenten season, and we exercise our own examination of conscience and penance, let’s not forget that Jesus did not come to condemn us, but rather to save us. No matter what we have done, no matter how many times we have stumbled, He wants to forgive us. The major obstacle to that forgiveness that deep down we wish for is us. We are the ones who label ourselves and others, we are the ones that exploit weakness (others, and our own), and we are the ones who condemn those around us and ourselves. We need to instead focus on seeking healing through forgiveness, to go and receive reconciliation through the sacrament, and to then cling to God in an embrace of love and trust, as we then come back alive thanks to His saving power which crushes condemnation.
The Deacons Bench 