Jesus Forgives And Forgets

21 March 2010

Today’s Readings: Is 43:16-21/Jn 8:1-11

REFLECTION
Many of us committed sins and mistakes which may not be as serious as that of the woman who was brought to Jesus. We also stand before the Lord every time we make grave mistakes or we seriously disobey him. Though we are down and helpless, we shall find strength and hope because the Lord Jesus will crush, not our person but only our sins. The Lord condemns, not the person but the sin. “Neither do I Condemn you. Go, and, from now on do not sin anymore.”

When the woman was brought to Jesus, he remained silent and merely doodled on the ground. This gesture of the Lord could mean that Jesus writes our sins on the ground or loose earth so that they could easily be blown away by the wind of his compassion and mercy. The Lord forgives and then forgets, that’s how remarkable his forgiveness is.

Can we also forgive as a readily as Jesus forgives? Perhaps we could be helped by the example of the elder who was first to leave the scene. Jesus’ words provoked him to remember his own sins and was overcome with guilt and shame and perhaps was moved later to forgiveness. Next time we point a finger at others let us first look at those three pointed at us.

PRAYER
Loving Father, help us to forgive those who hurt us. Just like Jesus did. Teach us how to forgive and forget. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.