Peace is the Gift Given Through Baptism
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In this week’s Gospel, the woman who committed adultery gets one of the greatest bailouts from the grave consequences of her actions. Instead of getting stoned, she receives Jesus’ compassionate mercy and a call to action to “go and sin no more.”
It’s a good time to look back and think about how many times we have been spared from the worst consequences when it comes to our sin. Jesus’ mercy in those situations of our lives prevailed. He gave us another shot. He bailed us out!
We can lose sight of that mercy and take it for granted, and yet, we receive it over and over again every time we screw up and don’t face a grave consequence for it. We can also lose sight of how many times those around us, especially our loved ones, give us the same mercy, overlook our faults, forgive our misdeeds, love us at our worst, give us second chances, and so on. Let's be grateful for that.
But you’ve probably also heard the Lord say to you, like the woman, to not commit that sin again. Maybe the words came from God himself in your prayer, from a loved one, or from your pastor or parish priest.
Why? Because mercy has a cost. We have to learn our lesson. We can’t take it for granted. While the Lord is ever forgiving and merciful, eventually the second chances will run out. Habitual sin that never repents and changes has its consequences on our souls at the end of our lives.
So yes, you’ve been bailed out. You’ve been given the greatest gift of mercy. But heed to the lesson like the woman today.
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
