Today's Gospel account focuses on the woman caught in adultery, and Jesus refusing to condemn her. What about this woman's husband and children? Did anyone consider the impact upon their suddenly shattered lives? Did anyone care that they too were in pain? What about the parents of the adulteress and the grief and shame they now had to bear? How about the wife and children of the "missing partner"? The damage caused by sexual sin is widespread and lasting. It doesn't get repaired just because the person who committed the sexual sin receives forgiveness.
For those who have been innocently victimized by the sexual sins of others, today's Gospel can be difficult to read. You see Jesus compassionately protect the sexual sinner, and it can seem like He has forgotten to address your damages. Be assured that Jesus has an answer for you as well. He offers you justice. Jesus is your Justice (1 Cor 1:30). You are a victim; Jesus became a Victim on your behalf. You need healing. Jesus is your Healer (Hos 11:4). He alone can heal everyone impacted by sexual sin. Perhaps Jesus was even thinking of you and your hurting loved ones when He drew on the ground with His finger (Jn 8:6).
Maybe you haven't been victimized by sexual sin, but you are still impacted by these sins. You are forced to live in a culture dominated by rampant impurity. Every day, this culture bombards you with its messages and tries to pressure you or your children to sin. Sexual sin is not private; it degrades entire cultures. Jesus alone has the power to forgive sin, reverse it, and even transform it to the good (see Rm 8:28). Where sin abounds, His grace abounds all the more (Rm 5:20). Put your trust in Him.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, increase our faith in Your ability to heal and love. |
| PROMISE: | "The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God Who saves those that hope in Him." –Dn 13:60 |
| PRAISE: | St. Stanislaus lost his life for his brave, uncompromising stance for God. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College