Whenever we hear about crimes against humanity, or whenever we see people getting oppressed unjustly, or maybe even when someone hurts us… our natural instinct against that wrongdoer is to judge, to condemn and to revenge. Instead Isaiah in today’s first reading tells us of the ways of a God who even after the people turn against Him would “make a way in the wilderness” so that the people will find their way toward Him, and would “make rivers in the desert to give drink to his chosen people.” Even St Paul in the second reading gives a more merciful approach: “Forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.”
But in truth, to judge, to condemn, and to revenge is deeply seated in us even in the monasteries.
A young monk who was insulted by another brother came to Abba Sisoes (429) and wanted revenge: “Abba I was hurt by my brother, and I want to get back at him.” Abba Sisoes tried to console him and said: "Don't do that, my child. Leave the matter in God’s hands.” But he said: "I will not rest until I get my revenge". In the presence of the young monk Abba Sisoes prayed out loud: “O God, we have no further need of you today. You can go away now because we have decided to deliver justice ourselves…” Upon hearing these words, the young monk fell at the feet of the Abba and said: "Forgive me, Abba. I am not going to fight with my brother any more."
Though our human instinct is very much prone to judge, condemn, and punish people who have fallen, Jesus presents us a different way - of rescuing the wrongdoer and setting them back on the path of life.
Let’s take a look at the gospel about the woman caught in adultery let us first take a look at what the Torah tells us:
Leviticus 20:10- “The man who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife will be put to death, he and the woman.”
Deuteronomy 22:22- “If a man is caught having sexual intercourse with another man’s wife, both must be put to death.”
And so a woman was brought to Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees and they wanted to test him: “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. In the law, this woman must be stoned to death. Now what do you say?
Now Jesus is confronted with a dilemma. If He were to say: “Release her. Set her free,” then the scribes and Pharisees will immediately accuse him of violating the Law given to them by Moses. If he were to say: “Stone her,” how could Jesus ever again speak of love, the mercy, the compassion of God?
So Jesus says nothing. Instead he bends down and starts writing on the ground with his finger.
Now what did Jesus write? According to ancient traditions spearheaded by St Jerome, they believe Jesus was writing the sins of the woman’s accusers.
Another suggestion is that he wrote down one interesting question: “Where is the man?” You see if she was caught in the very act of adultery, those who apprehended her could just as easily apprehend the man. After all, Leviticus and Deuteronomy make it quite clear that both the man and the woman must be put to death. Why was the man allowed to escape then? Why wasn’t the man also brought before Jesus?
Then Jesus stood up and said: “Let anyone who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone at her.” And they all went away one by one.
Jesus shows us a better way in dealing with sin that condemnation and punishment. He never denied or condoned sin. Rather He was more concerned of rescuing the woman from her terrible situation. Thus setting her free to take on a better direction in life.
And Jesus now says to the woman: “Go and sin no more.”
Sometimes we take this statement too lightly and for granted. There is this boy who went to confession. “Bless me Father, I have stolen berries from my neighbor’s garden. The priest says: “For your penance say 3 Hail Mary’s. And go sin no more.” The boy replies: “O Father can you add 3 more Hail Mary’s, their apples will be ripe tomorrow.
Go and sin no more…. this is a tough one. Many times we fail and we get discouraged.
A young monk said to Abba Sisoes: “Abba, what should I do? I fell.” The elder monk answered: “Get up!” The young monk said: “I got up and I fell again!” The elder replied: “Get up again!” But the young monk asked: “But it’s exasperating… I keep falling down. For how long should I get up when I fall?” Abba Sisoes answered: “Until your death. For a person will head to judgment either fallen or getting back up again.”
As an ancient Chinese non- Christian writer named Confucius would remind us: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
References:
Plant,G. (2016). Go and Sin no more.
Stories of the Desert Fathers. “Forgiveness.”
Salt of the Earth. “A Fallen man seeks advice”