The Fourth Scandalous Mystery
There is a popular expression, “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” While we might think that we can hide the truth about ourselves, and our sins, the truth is that we are largely transparent and God sees everything. Before charging others we should all admit that we are guilty and vulnerable. The scribes and Pharisees bring to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. The Mosaic Law required stoning to death, crushing and suffocating the person. Will Jesus insist upon the law or excuse sin? Jesus writes upon the ground. It has been speculated that Jesus was listing the secret sins of her accusers. He says let the one without sin cast the first stone. One by one they walk away. Finally, he is alone with her. Note that her accomplice in sin is nowhere to be found. Our Lord is aware of the double-standard and the hypocrisy of her accusers. As the innocent all holy one, he could rightfully condemn her. But instead he shows her mercy and tells her to go and “from now on do not sin anymore.” He did not say that what she did was right. Along with her absolution comes the admonishment to repent.
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