Shanborlang Mawrie csc –
Readings: Dan 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Jn 8: 1-11
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” This narrative emphasises the transformative power of compassion. The compassionate heart of Jesus changes the whole scenario in this gospel passage. He redirects the life of the woman who was already condemned to stone to death by the crowd, but Jesus pardons and gives her a new life.
Similarly, we find a parallel example in the life of Daniel, who intervened on behalf of Susanna, unjustly accused of adultery, demonstrating compassion and righteousness. Pope Francis said in one of his speeches “Compassion allows you to see reality; compassion is like the lens of the heart; it allows us to take in and understand the true dimensions.
In the Gospels, Jesus is often moved by compassion. And compassion is also the language of God. Jesus’ response to the Scribes and the Pharisees challenges us to reflect on our attitudes and actions in dealing with our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate, weak, widows, children, poor, and marginalised in society.
This prompts us to reflect on how we can embody compassion in our daily lives, serving as beacons guiding us away from a judgmental mindset. Rather than casting stones of condemnation, we are encouraged to show empathy, understanding, and extend hands of mercy and compassion. In this Lenten season, Jesus invites us to embody compassion, recognizing that only with a compassionate heart we can transform and give life to others.