I will never forget the question my scripture professor, Fr. Jack Castelot, posed when teaching today’s passage from John’s Gospel: “The woman caught in the very act of adultery—by herself? Where was the man?” His way of teaching opened our eyes as seminarians to ask obvious, practical questions about the scriptures. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the theological message that we forget the details of the ordinary event that prompted the theological discourse.
In these latter days of the Lenten season, I encourage you to read and hear the scriptures through the lens of a reporter. What details do you see? What details are missing? Sometimes, the real message and challenge for us is not found in the pronouncement of the Lord but in the events that preceded Jesus’ speaking.
Jesus does not condemn the woman caught in adultery and reminds her to sin no more. But perhaps for many of us, the real challenge is not to be like the Pharisees, who are quick to point out the faults and sins of others while hiding their own.
