Second Chances
‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’
What would you say? How many times have we judged for so much less? Putting ourselves in the woman’s place, how profusely would we seek pardon? Would we own up to our sins? How often in our lives have we wished for a do over? How many times have we hoped that we could start anew? The woman in today’s Gospel didn’t think that she would have such a second chance.
‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’
Confronted with their own sinfulness the Scribes and Pharisees, one-by-one, walk away without so much as throwing a glance towards the woman and our Lord – I would imagine. In condemning the woman, the Scribes and Pharisees were fixated on her immediate past, her sin. They failed to see her entire person and they failed to see her future: what she can be given a chance to change. Contrary to that, our Lord sees us as a whole. He doesn’t dwell on our flaws or mistakes but understands our potential to be renewed, to be saved.
‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’
From being condemned, the infinite love and mercy of our Lord has saved the woman. What was a hopeless situation was completely turned around – a new life that is full of hope, full of boundless possibilities with the Lord. Everywhere in the Bible, we find hope in that God gives us all the opportunity to be redeemed and renewed. God delights in showing us mercy – ‘Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.’ (Micah 7:18); He patiently waits for us – ‘The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.’ (2 Peter 3:9); He wants us to live – ‘I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Turn from your ways and live.’ (Ezekiel 18:23) Just a few verses from both the Old and New Testaments showing that God is calling us to repentance; giving us a second chance, a third, and a fourth, however many we need. Thus, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is of such importance. Through it, we are put back on track towards the Lord.
Blessed Sunday to all, Randy Reyes
