The person on trial in today’s reading is not the woman, but Jesus. A trap is set for him. They try to make him choose between upholding the Mosaic law, which imposed a death penalty, and Roman Law, which reserved the death penalty to Rome itself. Another interpretation would see Jesus being forced into condemning the woman, even though His mission was to bring mercy and not condemnation.
Despite a lot of speculation, we just do not know why Jesus wrote on the ground and what exactly he wrote. What is clear is that those pressing for the death of the woman had no real interest in her. They were out to get Jesus. She was simply, a means of putting Jesus on the spot.
Jesus invites whomever was without sin to be the first to cast a stone. That thins out the crowd to the point where Jesus is left alone with the woman. Only then does anyone say anything to the woman. Up until now, she has been merely an exhibit in Jesus’ trial.
But now Jesus speaks to her and grants her forgiveness. He then talks her into leading a new life based on His forgiveness. Jesus has not only preserved her life but given her the possibility of a different and better life.
You and I have been forgiven a great deal in our life. In His love God has given each of us an opportunity to live a better life in relationship with Him. May each of us respond to His forgiveness and live a better Christ-like life.
God Bless,
Msgr. Powell