GOD’S MERCY
In Daniel we see how astutely Daniel questions the two church elders to see if they are lying about Susanna. They were. Susanna did not lie, tell a falsehood, nor lie down for the elders. She was innocent. She trusted God would save her from stoning. Her trust was fulfilled. In John, we hear of another woman caught in adultery and accused by the elders. Rather than Daniel we see the astuteness of Jesus in handling the accusation. He listens to it and seemingly writes in the sand and then tells the men:”let one among you who is without sin cast the first stone”. The men walk away. Jesus says to the woman: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on do not sin.” These two stories tell us that it is awfully difficult for us to judge another. “Unless we walk a mile in the other’s moccasins” we cannot know what really happens. We can’t judge someone’s motivation nor actions. If we are an expert, court Judge, that is one thing. Most often we are incensed about someone’s actions and judgment comes easily. The story within the story here is God’s mercy. God reads our minds and hearts. God knows what motivates our actions, sometimes better than we do! God is always merciful to a sinner. God, who is love, cannot help but be merciful. Let God do the judging. It is not our task in life. Trust in the mercy and love of God. |