Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”(v.11) In today’s Gospel of John, 8:1-11, unfortunately we hear a consistent message of forgiveness and Truth that often times is received or heard superficially which leads some to go into the “weeds” of the scriptures meaning, viewing this reading’s meaning in a confused or conflated way. There is an adage in communications that says: Communications is less of what’s said and more of what’s heard. That (mis)understanding can be applicable to today’s parable too.
On the surface this parable of the woman caught in adultery it might be seem to be saying that
once again it’s the women’s fault. Much like the idea many have come away with in the story of Adam and Eve and the apple temptation. We might walk away from both accounts wondering why the woman is either to blame or the only one being punished. Why is Eve to blame—she offered the apple to Adam— but he did said “yes” to eating it? And in today’s story of adultery, well it does take two to tango. But we shouldn’t be looking into either one of these accounts
with a search for who is “at fault” or as an opportunity to “point fingers” at someone, for that approach will only cause us to miss the big picture meaning.
Today’s parable the person caught in adultery should, especially for Lent, not be about who is to
blame but rather how does Jesus go about bestowing His forgiveness on any sinner—and how
does He correct the sinful action or way of life, so that the sinner is lead back to Him?
Jesus’ forgiveness is complete: “Neither do I condemn you…” And just as in last week’s gospel of
the Prodigal Son (or for that matter in the Lost Sheep or the Lost Coin parables) the desire of God is to find what has been lost. In doing so, the sinner is healed and offered a future (hope) plan that leads to unending Truth and joy.
In today’s parable the sinful women is called back to Truth (the Truth of her human dignity) in the
midst of Jesus’ forgiveness: “Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” Go—you are forgiven, but turn from sin and learn to follow Truth. Meaning that she needs to know why she was created—to reach the excellence which God intends for her—and then seek to become what God expects of us: to live in righteousness. God actually has expectations for each of us. Now I know that some might not want to hear that—after all we might just want a God who is “OK” with whatever we decide to do. And while God is a Loving God, He is also a Just God—desiring us to follow His teachings and Will.
These expectations place a burden on us indeed. But remember that the Christian life is not
easy, it is not meant to be smooth sailing—rather He promises only a safe and glorious port to which we are called home. The expectations of God are righteousness: we are called through corporal and spiritual works of mercy to care for others by feeding, clothing and sheltering them; in the spiritual works we are called to care for them by praying for their needs and by our example lead them to Christ’s. The Beatitudes on the wall of the sanctuary are considered
a blueprint for Christian living—a blueprint we are supposed to take to heart—and action.
In the midst of “love” or “mutual respect” we are called to raise ourselves and others to the dignity of being a daughter or a son of God. When we encounter the Truth, even when it is difficult, we are far better off and as C.S. Lewis would note his work entitled The Four Loves, we can become the action of his third love, Eros, or the love that seeks the excellence of the other (and of ourselves). After all, we are not alone in this world—both in secular and religious ways, we are in fact called to Be and to Act in ways that seek the excellence of the others (and our own excellence) so that we can chart our course to the heavenly port, and put down anchor in a love and way of life that is beyond all human understanding; a port that is built upon love and respect, a home that is designed on Truth.
As we enter the final weeks of Lent, which is a season of grace, we must ask ourselves what
expectation does Jesus have for us. And, just as was illustrated in last week’s gospel that God only wants to find what was once lost and restore it to its rightful place Ares we ready to be found (forgiven) and to return to the Truth, which is God (His teachings) so that we can come home for ever?