Daily Gospel Reflection for March 18, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: John 8:1-11

Have you ever had those days when you wish you had the wisdom of Solomon? Like when the kids come up to you, arguing about everything six ways from Sunday, accusing each other of some transgression, and wanting you to settle the argument and mete out whatever punishment they deem appropriate for the supposed sin?

In today’s Gospel reading, the scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus whom they accused of adultery, hoping to catch Jesus with some sort of answer that would give them reason to arrest Him. If He says put her to death, He violates a Roman law that says Jews cannot commit capital punishment. If He says no, don’t stone her, don’t kill her, the Pharisees can accuse Him of going against Moses’ law.

What does He say instead?

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

He doesn’t say, “Go ahead and stone her.” He puts it back on the Pharisees, and they all walk away. His approach is very clever.

Back to the arguing kids. Even if the conversation is, “But, Mom, she said this and is not being nice!” “But, Mom, he is being really mean and keeps pinching me!” We can teach our children that when someone does something that hurts them, we should forgive them, just as Jesus forgave the woman accused of adultery. Sorry is a powerful word, and a lot of anger and hurt can be lifted by forgiving others when they do wrong against us.

Ponder:

Have you ever experienced a time when you felt wronged by someone but felt compelled to forgive them anyway? Or have you experienced unconditional forgiveness from others?

Pray:

Gracious God, we come to You in good times and in bad. Help us to remember Your loving kindness as we sing Your praises, now and forever.

Click to tweet:
Sorry is a powerful word, and a lot of anger and hurt can be lifted by forgiving others when they do wrong against us. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Lyn Francisco

Lyn Francisco, an organic chemist by training and education, works with the Office of Undergraduate Education at Duke University. In her spare time, she occupies organ benches in churches around Durham, North Carolina.