Flocknote

Please Don’t Throw the First Stone

Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him... Then Jesus said , “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.” (Jn 8:8-11)

The fundamental lesson from this Gospel passage is clear: we are all in need of Gods mercy; we have all "sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. (Rm 3:23) and Christ knows it. Jesus tells us today your sins are forgiven, go from now on and do not sin any more. The more we have experienced God’s forgiveness and the free gift of his mercy, which we don’t deserve, the more readily we will communicate it to others by releasing resentment and letting grudges go—not because their sins don’t matter, but because God came to save sinners. So, what can we do to develop the capacity to forgive more fully and more freely, as Christ forgives? Can you name someone who is in desperate need of your forgiveness right now? If we throw stones by condemning and criticizing and judging, we drive other and ourselves away from Christ. If we give others a fresh start, whether they deserve or not, we become the peacemakers that Jesus declared blessed: “for they will be called children of God.” (Mt 5:9) So sisters and brothers, go today and act like a child of God with people around you. Be merciful! Merciful is what the world needs during this crisis!

Sent by Fr. Vincent Nguyen on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 6:57AM