The Adulterous Woman – who was she?
I am much like her
And she is much like me.
I know the empty shame of my own wrong-doings
And the belittling of the self righteous.
I have felt my body stiffen with indignation deflate with shame
Expand with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
My able arms have tenderly cradled the newborn,
comforted the child and supported the dying.
My rough cracked hands have tilled the soil, planted the seeds and harvested the garden.
Joyfully, I have dressed the virgin bride for marriage and
Reverently wrapped the withered body for burial.
Routinely, I sweep the floors, cook the meals, welcome the guest, the stranger and the hungry.
And they see only what they will.
Youthful legs have skipped me through flowered fields and down dusty by-ways to love’s calling, youths dancing delight.
Calloused feet have carried me heavy with child.
Scurrying home late at night weary from the day
Cautious of the night’s dark demands – I fear for what may happen.
And they see only what they will.
My hopeful heart beats to the rhythm of the children’s song.
Falters with the dying’s gasp
My heart is strong – yet scorned, teased and disserted.
And they see only what they will
I have heard the hateful whispers – silent now.
Have whispered some myself.
And they see only what they will
The kind and gentle stranger approaches, “Woman where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, Sir.”
“Neither do I condemn you.”
In these holy days of Lent I am reminded to listen not to the hateful whispers in and around me, but to the healing, loving words of Jesus, “Neither do I condemn you” – a reminder that I am in God’s love.
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
