An Awareness of Sin

This title is perhaps one of the reasons why Catholics don't frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation as much as they should. We have lost a sense of sin and we know that it does exist. We are all sinners in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. Jesus calls us to be aware of our sinfulness in the gospel for today. In fact, both readings for today speak about women who were accused of adultery, Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 and John 8:1-11. The commentator writes this: "Susanna, the innocent, and the nameless woman, guilty, brought before Jesus. We might think of them as representing the two faces of God's people: innocent and guilty. The Lord hears not their deeds but their plight and rescues them from their accusers. Jesus, who takes the place of stricken humanity before the wrath of the enemy, will not so spare himself" (Magnificat, 152). Jesus brings to light that awareness of sin in the gospel when he says to the scribes and Pharisees, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." None of them could do it because Jesus is right, who is without sin? The same is true in this present day, we will throw stones at people, but we really need to be looking at our own house. It is easy to point the finger, criticize and judge others. That is something that we should not be doing because we are all in the same boat. Because of what Jesus did, by not sparing himself, we have been forgiven and redeemed. We can learn a lot from Jesus' example today. No one condemned the woman for what she had done and Jesus did not either. A tremendous example of compassion and mercy. We can receive the same gifts if we just acknowledge our sinfulness and seek the forgiveness of God and one another. Peace to You!!!