By Fr. John Kennedy, SJ

“Who is without sin be the first to throw a stone,” Jesus declared. With these words, he metaphorically stoned everyone present. The people came with stone in their hands and found their grip loosened, their hearts burdened, their purpose undone. One by one, they turned away, leaving only the Saviour and the sinner. Jesus held no stone. He asked no questions and demanded no explanations. His hands were empty; He enveloped her with love and compassion. The sinner found time to breathe, repent, and begin anew in the warmth of His presence.

In the first reading, the Lord said, “I am about to do a new thing.” A new thing is already unfolding before us. People stand perplexed and come face to face with Jesus, the truth of who they are. We excel in education, thrive in work, and create comforts at home. Yet, beneath it all, there is an ache, a longing, an inner struggle like a silent tempest that cannot be tamed. Some of us are aware of it and recognize this turmoil by turning to God for grace. Most of us are caught in the commotion of life, too busy to confront the inner strife. We may see others at fault, not knowing our own. The Pharisees and the scribes sought to trap Jesus in a dilemma. He couldn’t simply say, “Stone her,” or “Let her go.” He does something new. He pauses and bends low. He straightens up to touch that deep-seated longing for the truth. Jesus’ words cut to the heart.  Within the sanctuary of every heart lies a tabernacle, to which we must kneel.

Whoever came to Jesus never returned without being enriched. Paul, after finding Christ in a blaze of profound revelation finds the world and its riches  mere rubbish in comparison. Lent is a pilgrimage that culminates in the welcoming of Christ. When everyone was walking on a pilgrim path, Paul ran, leaving behind the past and straining forward to what lay ahead. His heart’s cry was to finish his race and be united with Christ. In the storm-tossed boat, Peter fell to his knees and implored Jesus to leave, for he knew he was a sinner. Zacchaeus, after encountering Jesus, promises to make multiple restitutions. The woman at the supper weeps, poring perfume on Jesus’s feet, in a vivid act of love and devotion.

A dead wood would become a symbol of His love for on it, Jesus was nailed. When we are down and out, Jesus steps in, takes our place, lifts us, and offers us grace and love. God’s mercy triumphs over sin. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Fr. John S. Kennedy is a Jesuit of the Darjeeling Province and is a lecturer in North Bengal St. Xavier's College. He received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) in Ignatian Spirituality from Santa Clara University, USA. He has a master's degree in Sociology and Human Rights, and a master of science in Counselling Psychology. He is a retreat director and a student counsellor.