John 8:1-11: Throwing Stones – Part I
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
What tax or tithe do we surrender when we give in to the temptation to throw stones?
In our public and private lives, in our work places, in our houses of worship, in our homes, we are constantly called to judge one another. Where so we learn how to handle our tendency to judge?
Swarms of people came to Jesus. He sat down and taught them.
Christ still walks among us and teaches us through our own spiritual core where the Spirit speaks, and through the words and actions of others whom God sends into our path. When we silence the noise of the word and withdraw for a time as Jesus does, we allow a space for God to speak to us. Even then, there will be those who challenge us. And they will frequently hide among the holy, the expert and the innocent. What do we do to distill the Word of God?
The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone.
In all circumstances and at all times we are vulnerable to the trick questions and false fronts of those who take advantage of our better nature. What do we say when we are hard-pressed by deceivers?
They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.”
On all days and at all hours we face confusion and obfuscation. When we do as Jesus does and answer the deceptive dare with a question that goes to the core of the deceit, we invite Christ into the conversation.
Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone.
At times we are the condemned woman, at times we are the hypocritical accusers, at times we are innocent victims of the unjust. In all cases we must respond as Jesus responds: Does no one condemn you? Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.
Throwing stones is a dangerous temptation. Throwing stones puts us in ambiguous positions. Throwing stones nurtures division and does not encourage understanding or inclusion. Today we chose a circumstance, environment, or situation at which we want to throw stones. We reflect on this story and we look for ways to apply it to our own lives.
For a reflection on the distinction between throwing stones and giving grace, click on the “stone throwers” above or visit: http://sharperiron.org/article/showered-with-stones-or-grace
Visit https://agapaostore.com/blogs/older-lectio-divina/gospel-lectio-divina-template2 for a meditation of this Gospel reading.
For a homily on this reading, click on the image of Jesus writing in the sand at: https://ijboudreaux.com/2017/03/10/the-first-stone/
The Noontimes 