Tolerance, inTolerance
“Let the one among you who is ithout sin be the first to throw stone on her.”
Jesus manifested great compassion towards the woman caught in adultery in the Gospel. In the classic Christian writings, this scene has often been described as Mercy meeting Misery. It is comforting to know that Jesus only has mercy towards us sinners. Condemnation is alien to the heart of Jesus. But let us note that in dispensing mercy, Jesus highlighted a crucial distinction. He does not condemn the sinner, but He condemns the sin. Verse 11 of the Gospel has Jesus reminding the woman, “Go and sin no more.”
Today we notice a modern attitude which is actually a misinterpretation of this Gospel episode. We see today our unwillingness to correct evil and wrongdoing. Not wanting to be labeled judgmental, we shy away from legitimate occasions of fraternal correction. This is far from the spirit of the Gospel. We are to be tolerant of the person but never of the sin. Sometimes we become tolerant both of the person and the sin. The other word for this attitude is indifference. The opposite is just as wrong. We can become intolerant of both the sin and the sinner. The other word for this is extremism.
In showing mercy to the woman caught in adultery, Jesus was far from being indifferent to any wrongdoing. Never in the Gospel do we find Jesus also going to the side of extremism. Today, let us examine ourselves. In what situations do I find myself uninvolved to the point of indifference? In what situations do I find myself too aggressive as to be extreme? Let us allow the virtue of Christ to guide us into integration. Fr. Joel O. Jason
Reflection Question:
Have there been times that I cower into indifference? In what situations do I find myself too aggressive as to be self-righteous?
Lord, make me an ardent but gentle proclaimer of Your Gospel. Amen.
St. Osburga, Virgin, pray for us.
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