Homily on John 8:1-11: “What Do You Say?”

A Homily on John 8:1-11: “What Do You Say?” (Sunday, the 6th of April 2025)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

 On his return after many years of working abroad, a man decided to visit his old schoolteacher. In appreciation of his teacher, he brought a small gift to express his sincere gratitude. Nevertheless, the teacher did not recognise him in spite of his repeated attempts to explain who he was. Finally, the man said, “If I remind you of an incident, you will surely remember me.”

He began his story: “One day, a student brought a watch to school back in the days when watches were rare and valuable. During playtime, the student put it in his bag, but when he returned, it was missing. The whole class was checked, but no one admitted taking it. You decided to search everyone’s pockets but before doing so, asked us all to close our eyes. I was terrified because the watch was in my pocket. You found it, but you did not scold me or tell anyone. More surprisingly, even after retrieving it from my pocket, you continued searching until the last student was checked. You simply returned it to the owner and continued teaching as if nothing had happened.” With tears in his eyes, the man continued, “If you had told to the class that I had taken the watch, I would have forever lived with the shame of being labelled a thief. But your kindness and compassion saved me.”

The teacher listened carefully and then said, “My son, I, too, had closed my eyes while I was searching. I did not know who had the watch, nor did I want to.” Hearing this, the man was greatly surprised.

In today’s Gospel, we see a similar incident. A woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. In order to condemn both the woman and Jesus, they challenge Him, asking, “What do you say?” They had an evil intention in their heart . However, instead of responding immediately, Jesus bends down and begins to write on the ground. He doesn’t even look at the woman, as if to spare her the shame of being stared at. Like the wise teacher in the story, Jesus seems to be saying, “Even by a glance, I will not cause her pain.”

What do we say when we get the chance to speak? Do we condemn, humiliate, or judge? Or do we, like Jesus, offer a way for people to change? Words can break or heal, destroy or restore. Jesus changed the course of the woman’s life by his kindness rather than judging the woman. Because Jesus gave her a new beginning her life was changed completely.

We see similar examples in the Bible. In the book of Samuel, the prophet Nathan challenged King David after his sinful behaviour with Bathsheba and plotted to kill her husband Uriah. However, Nathan did not humiliate King David publicly, but instead related a parable to help him realise his mistake (2 Samuel 12:1-13). We can see the same attitude in the life of Joseph of the Old testament. When Joseph’s brothers came to him he could have had them killed or  punished for selling him into slavery. Although the brothers feared retribution, Joseph chose to forgive them instead, saying, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

One of the best examples we see in the New Testament is that of St. Joseph on learning Mary was pregnant. He could have exposed her and had every right to do so by Jewish law, but he chose instead to protect her good name and her dignity.

How often do we mercilessly and cruelly expose the faults of others whenever we are given the opportunity even as husband and wife? How often do we fail to protect the dignity of those closest to us? Today we need to reflect deeply on how often do we gossip about the mistakes of our own family members which destroys their good name? Many a time our relatives, friends or neighbours may have possibly become victims of our own unkindness. In today’s world reputations are easily destroyed in seconds through social media. However, in today’s Gospel Jesus teaches us a different way, one of mercy, kindness and respect. Jesus does not condemn but allows each one of us a second chance.

 St. Teresa of Avila profoundly observed, “If you happen to see the mistake of others, do not speak about it to anyone. Instead, pray and offer sacrifices for that person as if it were my own.” If we ourselves could imitate the wisdom of this great saint our lives will be totally transformed. It is the way Jesus taught us, love God and love your neighbour. Rather than pin -point the faults of others, we are called to lift them up and pray for those who fall, and at all times to protect the dignity of our brothers and sisters.

 This lesson that Jesus teaches us in today’s Gospel is to be practiced in our own daily lives. A teacher who corrects a student privately rather than shaming him/her in front of the class can inspire change. A parent who listens patiently instead of reacting in anger can strengthen trust or a friend who encourages instead of gossips can have a great impact on a soul rather than destroy it. We may ask if we are merciful in our everyday lives whenever we have the opportunity and ask do our words defend, heal, and bring hope to others?

Let us ask our good God to give us the knowledge and wisdom to speak words of love and compassion, rather than the words of condemnation and hatred, so that we also may bring healing and hope to those who are living with us and around us. Amen

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God Bless…