Daily Reflections

April 11, 2011
GO AND SIN NO MORE

The question that comes to mind: Where is the man? It takes two to commit adultery. I feel very sorry for the woman in the Gospel today. Of course, her sin is not to be excused. However, it is the utter wickedness of the religious authorities to have this woman publicly displayed in her shame and nakedness. Perhaps the man ran away or had been given an excuse to disappear.
Adultery is a very serious crime and an unfaithful act on the part of the spouse who engages in this action. It is a betrayal of trust, love and fidelity. The spouse willingly gives himself or herself to another person in the act of sexual love without considering the consequences. It can shatter the hopes and faith of a married couple. It is very selfish and is to be seriously condemned.
However, Jesus thinks differently. In the end, He asks the woman if anyone has condemned her. With a gracious and forgiving act, Jesus forgives her and tells her to move on and sin no more. Can you imagine how the woman felt? How liberating it must have been that day to have her life spared and to leave her life of sin.
If anyone of us has sinned, then we all have committed adultery in a way. We are no more perfect than the woman, caught in the very act of adultery. All sin is a betrayal of trust in and fidelity to the Lord. When we sin, we betray our relationship with the Lord who deserves all our love and fidelity. All of us have given over to lust, pride and gluttony (1 John 2:16). Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
Go and leave your life of sin. Lord, help me dwell in the light of Your presence. Help me to leave my life of sin. I pray for detachment from sin and its inordinate attachments. Amen.

St. Domnio, pray for us.