Monday of the 5th Week of Lent
Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62 | Psalm 22(23) | John 8:1-11
‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ (John 8:7)
Condemnation has to be one of the typical Singaporean’s favourite pastimes, perhaps second only to complaining about everything under the sun. After all, it’s only logical to go from:
Ai yah, Qing Ming again, now got traffic jam outside church!
to:
See lah, Traffic Police not doing their jobs, lazy bums!
Would that we could open our eyes to the reality of the situation, and admit to ourselves that when hundreds of vehicles converge into a small area, fed by a major artery that’s itself constricted by MRT works, no human agency can ensure a smooth flow.
‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and do not sin any more.’ (John 8:11)
✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞
The phrasing of today’s Gospel interests me in two ways:
- Jesus doesn’t question the accused. He already knows what she has done, and sees no reason to shame her in righteous anger.
- The accused doesn’t defend herself. She too knows what she has done, and is willing to accept whatever justice is meted out.
As we embark on Penitential Service week, let us remember that Everyone Sins. Sometimes we commit venial sins, sometimes mortal ones.
Do we dare to discern our own faults, or continue to pretend they don’t exist?
Do we dare to bare our souls completely to Christ in the person of His priest, or continue to hold back on admitting the Big Sins for fear of human and divine condemnation?
Do we dare to seek forgiveness for all our transgressions, or continue to quietly castigate ourselves for not being perfect?
And as we go forth from reconciling ourselves to God…
Do we dare to discern the good from the bad in the people we interact with each day, and gently guide them in God’s Holy Way, without condemning them mentally or verbally?
Lord, You call us to draw closer to You, to open our hearts to You, to admit our faults and seek Your forgiveness. Help us to abandon ourselves willingly to Your merciful love, confident that You have already discerned our faults but still don’t condemn us. We place our trust in You, for You are our Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Brothers and sisters, I started my daily Lectio Divina journey exactly one year ago today. Looking back, I still remember my initial enthusiasm, and while the initial bonfire has mellowed somewhat into a warming blaze, I still look forward each night to reading, pondering, and sharing.
With the grace of God, may there be another year’s worth, then another, and so on, till the day I can no longer share my faith in this mortal realm.
Until that day, orate et laudate (pray and praise).