The point about the story of the woman caught committing adultery is that there is no question about her guilt. The question is how should she be treated? According to the Law, as understood by the Pharisees, she should be stoned to death for a very serious wrong-doing in which she either betrayed her own husband or was an accomplice in someone else's husband being unfaithful to his wife. Jesus sees the situation very differently. What concerns Jesus is not what has happened but what should be done now. He would agree with Isaiah in the first reading; "No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was done before." What has been done has been done and that can never be changed. What can be changed is the woman herself. Is there a chance for her to change and be led to a new way of behaving? Jesus sees that possibility. None of her accusers could punish her because they themselves were also sinners. They also had a past. Jesus comes to save, to heal - not to punish. The punishment is our own doing when we turn our back on that healing power of Jesus which makes us whole again.
Help us, Lord Jesus, to be more like You.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking into account the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.
Elaboration
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