“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and
from now on do not sin any more.” - JN 8:1-11
In today’s gospel, we are taken into
the heart of Christ, one that is compassionate, forgiving, and merciful. Jesus
forgave the adulteress without word on her part and asked the searching
question, “Who is the one
without sin? Let them cast the first stone.” Upon self-examination, each accuser
walked away. The woman remained with Him. Jesus offered His forgiveness and
encouraged her to break off from her sin. God’s forgiveness does not negate
responsibility but requires conversion. He invites all of us to ponder, “From now on, will you choose to
walk in the light with me?”
Not only is God aware of our
darkness, but He also longs to journey in the shadows of our heart and
illuminate light. He recognizes a truer story beneath the one we generally
offer to the world, the stuff we cannot see, the evasions and delusions, and
the places where we are simply stuck. No matter what we have done or how long
we have strayed, God welcomes us back with open, loving arms. He does not
exploit our guilt, but heals it. And because we are human, beautifully
imperfect and complex, we will return to Him time and time again. In doing so,
we allow for a radical change to take place, unbecoming who we are and becoming
our truest selves. During these moments, I find myself enveloped in His love
and asking, “Why is that You
believe in me? What do You see in me that makes me feel loved and precious?”
My challenge often transpires in the
healing process when I am simultaneously happy, sad, grateful, angry,
accepting, and every possible emotion, all smashed together and amplified.
Perhaps, I hope the word ‘healing’ to be more pure and simple. With God’s
encouragement and love, I realize that I am not to thrive in spite of my
losses, mistakes, and sorrows, but because of them. All He asks is for my
patient willingness and trust to be transformed along the way.
Lord, help me to walk towards Your
light...
Reflected by Tam Lontok
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