As we arrive at this final Lenten Sunday Gospel of the season, we see how Jesus’ role has developed over these Sundays. When we began the season, Jesus was in some ways being acted upon. First he was tempted, then he was transformed on the mountain. For the last two weeks he’s been a teacher of parables, of fig trees and prodigal sons.
Now, he intervenes boldly in a public action against religious authorities. He successfully disarms those who would put to death a woman caught in adultery.
In doing so, Jesus reveals the wisdom of Thomas Merton’s comment that “an essential part of the good news is that spiritual weapons are stronger than material ones.” Jesus uses the weapons of truth, mercy and justice to overcome those who only have rocks and self-righteousness as their weapons. Whatever Jesus wrote on the ground had a big impact on disarming the scribes and Pharisees. It could be that he was writing the names and the sins of the woman’s accusers.
How has our faith developed over these last 5 weeks? Have we allowed God to act upon us, to transform us? Have we absorbed the wisdom teachings of Jesus in our lives? Are we ready to intervene, publicly if need be, to uphold the dignity of all human people, and to do so in peace and mercy and justice?