The Consequences of Throwing Stones in a Sinful World.

In a world marked by imperfections, the phrase "Let the one without sin cast the first stone" holds profound meaning. It reminds us of our shared humanity and emphasizes the importance of compassion over judgment.

Why throw stones when we've all fallen short?

After careful consideration of the issues our community needs to address following recent events, it is important for us all to reflect on John 8:1-11.

(John 8:1-11)

While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he drew a large crowd. Meanwhile, the Scribes and Pharisees, seeking to entrap him, brought a woman before the assembly, accusing her of adultery, with the intention of charging Jesus with heresy to justify his execution. This situation is alarming for two reasons: firstly, these religious leaders were conspiring to commit murder; secondly, they intended to do so within the sacred confines of the Temple. They claimed to have caught the woman in the act of adultery, yet the man involved was conspicuously absent. This omission highlights the prevailing sexist and patriarchal attitudes, where women were often blamed for men's issues and faced severe punishment, including the death penalty, ostensibly sanctioned by divine authority, within the house of God.

Jesus performs an utterly astonishing act. He bends down and begins writing on the ground. They are poised to commit murder, yet he appears to disregard them. I am convinced that Jesus was the most disarming person who ever lived, devoid of any malice, perfectly compassionate, and entirely peaceful. His simple act of bending down and writing in the presence of a hostile crowd was profoundly disarming, as it shifted their focus from anger to curiosity about his actions. They must have wondered: “What is he doing? Doesn’t he realize we are about to execute this sinful woman? Why doesn’t he respond?” Had he engaged them with shouting or theological debate, they likely would have proceeded with the stoning. Instead, his calm, deliberate drawing created a moment for them to listen to his response. He redirected their attention from their righteous indignation to his writing, allowing them to hear what he had to say. This is how the nonviolent Jesus effectively disarms them.

He confidently rises and delivers one of the most profound commandments of the Bible: “Let the one without sin be the first to throw a stone.” In doing so, he not only denounces the death penalty but also highlights the sinfulness within each of us, neutralizing our desire for righteous revenge and intent to kill. According to Mosaic law, anyone witnessing an act of adultery was also guilty and deserving of death. The elders recall this, feel ashamed, and are the first to walk away. Through this, Jesus saves not only the woman but also the lives of the Scribes and the Pharisees.

Suddenly, the entire Temple is vacant; the crowd has dispersed, leaving Jesus alone with the woman. He engages her in conversation, treating her with respect. He asks, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replies, “No one.” He then says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” What lessons can we draw from this?

Initially, "let the one without sin be the first to throw a stone." This implies that only those who are without sin have the right to judge others, inflict harm, or take life. However, since we are all sinners, we are loved and forgiven, which means we are prohibited from harming others, taking lives, using firearms, executing individuals on death row, aborting unborn children, supporting war, or creating nuclear weapons. These actions are forbidden. Henceforth, we are called to a path of nonviolence, as exemplified by Jesus.

Secondly, by refraining from condemning the woman, Jesus presents a transformative image of God—one who does not condemn. Instead of condemnation, God offers mercy. Rather than seeking retribution, God extends compassion. Far from harboring hatred, God loves us infinitely and defends us. Jesus aligns himself with those who are condemned, ultimately becoming one of them by dying on the cross, yet he never condemns anyone. He forgives us and calls us to extend forgiveness, mercy, and compassion to all. Although challenging, this is the divine path, and it must become our path as well. Having been granted clemency, we are called to extend the same to others. This Gospel urges us to strive for the abolition of the death penalty, war, nuclear weapons, and all forms of violence.