NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU

PRAYER MOMENT 

Monday 23 March 2015

NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she replied. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus, “go on your way and do not sin any more.” (John 8:1-11)

Reflection. It is now firmly known that Pope Francis wishes to see a church of compassion rather than dominated by laws and rules. What the abiding result of his attitude will be is yet to be known. His way is to pose questions to people through his own actions of compassion and mercy shown constantly in his two years as pope. He wants the church to examine itself first and then see what reforms can be made. He follows the example of Jesus who does not abolish the Jewish law, for example with this woman caught in adultery, but who is moved by compassion towards her and fulfils the purpose of the law, not by harshly punishing her, but by opening the door of conversion for her.

Prayer. Lord, give us a compassionate heart. Help your church to move from an over reliance on law to a more merciful approach to people. Amen.

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