By Anna Verry
For The Catholic Messenger
Lent 2025 Week 5
This week’s Gospel reading, John 8:1-11, offers valuable insights into two significant conversations Jesus had, both of which are deeply revealing. In the first, the scribes and Pharisees present themselves as cold and uncompassionate to a woman who is suffering and in turmoil. They attempt to trap Jesus into speaking against the Law. How does Jesus respond? He challenges them to examine their own sinfulness, saying, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This powerful statement puts an immediate end to the tension in this situation.
In our society, many may react in a similar way, metaphorically throwing stones at others. Today, these “stones” may take the form of gossip, hurtful comments, intentional exclusion, spreading hatred online or even cultivating wicked thoughts. There are countless ways we can “throw stones” but Jesus’ interaction with the scribes and Pharisees reminds us that no one is without sin and the sinful cannot cast stones at one another.
The second conversation Jesus has in this passage is with the woman, offering profound insight into how God views each of us. Jesus tells her, “Neither do I condemn you.” This is in absolute contrast to the way the scribes and Pharisees treated her. Imagine how distraught, belittled and fearful she must have felt surrounded by their condemnation. Yet, through Jesus’ compassion and presence, she realized that he freed her from her past while also calling her to change and turn away from her sinful ways.
If the woman had seen herself the way the scribes and Pharisees saw her, it would have been a great error. The one true way to view yourself is the way Jesus sees you. While it’s easy to internalize hurtful comments on the internet or the rude actions of others, remember that your worth isn’t defined by what others think. The only perspective that matters is how Jesus sees you. He lifts you above the pain and judgment of society, revealing your true identity in his eyes — perfect, loved, valued and unique. Since Jesus has freed you from being defined by others’ opinions, live in the freedom and worth he gives you.
As we approach the end of the season of Lent, this story offers us much to reflect on. It reminds us to show compassion and understanding toward others, even when they have made mistakes. If we become aware of someone’s sin or find ourselves at odds with someone, let us not “throw stones” at them. Instead, let us pray for them; pray for their healing and for their experience of God’s forgiveness and grace.
This story also encourages us to look within our own hearts and lives to recognize where we, too, need God’s forgiveness and grace. Just as the woman experienced forgiveness, we can encounter God’s mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesus loves us despite our past, but he calls us to overcome our sinful ways after we meet him. We cannot truly encounter Jesus and continue to live in sin. In reconciliation, we come to Jesus acknowledging our sins. He forgives us through the sacrament of reconciliation and then asks us to sin no more.
I leave you with these questions to reflect on: In what areas of your life do you need to experience God’s forgiveness and grace? How can you show more compassion and understanding to others, especially those struggling with sin or facing judgment from society? How can you resist the temptation to “throw stones” at others and respond with the same grace and mercy that Jesus offers?
(Anna Verry is a student at St. Ambrose University in Davenport.)
