| 
 
Today's readings deal with two women. One, totally innocent, is accused of 
adultery by two wicked men, with whom she refused to have sexual relations. 
She is cleared by the wisdom of the judge Daniel. The other woman is, 
without question, guilty of the same sin and, according to Jewish law, 
should be stoned to death. What is horrible about this case is that the 
woman is being used as a pawn in a game by some scribes and Pharisees to 
trap Jesus. Will His reputation for mixing with sinners allow Him in this 
case to break the clear letter of the Law? Jesus throws the case back to 
them. If anyone of them is without sin, let him be the first to start 
stoning her. To their credit, none of them dares make such a claim and they 
slink away one by one. Only Jesus and the woman are left together. The 
religious leaders have not condemned her; neither will Jesus. It is not that 
He condones the sin but He gives her the opportunity to change. "Go away and 
do not sin again". How many times have we deserved condemnation for what we 
have done and have received Jesus' forgiveness? How many times have we 
condemned others and given them no opportunity to change their ways? And how 
often have we hastily judged people who like Susannah, were actually totally 
innocent?
 
			
  
Help us, Lord, to be as ready to forgive others as we know You are ready to 
forgive us.
  | 
 
		     
	        |  
       	   DAILY OFFERING	    
     	    |  
    	     
	        
     	    
		
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen. 
 
     	    |  
	         
            
		    
 
		     
	        |  
       	   PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH	    
     	    |  
    	     
	        
     	    
		 INTENTION 
For the ecclesial organisations and groups engaged in social 
action, that in their testimony they may proclaim strongly and consistently 
the Gospel of Love.
 
Elaboration
     	    |  
	         
            
 |