What was Jesus writing in the sand? Some have thought on a human level he was taking the attention away from the poor woman used as a pawn in this trap set for Jesus. If He said stone her, then He would not be showing the mercy of God He was already known for. If He ignored the law, then He could be dismissed and discredited.

So, what was Jesus writing? Some say it was just a distraction method so the lady caught in the act of adultery could compose herself. Others think it was a stalling method so He could have a moment to think. Others have thought that he started writing down the sins of all the people around Him. The truth is we will never know, so we put it on our list of things to ask Him, hoping we will be in heaven, and when we stand before God, we will realize how little those questions ever mattered.

Jesus responds to this trap by first reminding all of us that all have fallen short of perfection, all have sinned, and it is not our place to condemn a person for their faults. Next, we see Christ forgive this woman. I always think of this moment, in the life of Christ, when someone tells me how awkward the sacrament of reconciliation is. While it is vulnerable and awkward, we have not been marched out in front of our Lord, caught in the act of adultery. I cannot imagine how naked this poor woman must have felt, and I am not talking about her clothes.

The reality is we all stand naked before our God, and what we find is forgiveness and mercy, as well as justice and a challenge to do better. As St. Paul challenges us in our second reading, can we let the things of this world fall from our grasp in order to cling to Christ?

Prayer challenge this week: pray for someone you have judged harshly or who hurt you. Pray for the strength to forgive them.

May the Love, Pease and Grace of God be with you,

Fr. Adam