Evil and mercy

Today’s long first reading (Daniel 13) tells of religious leaders who engage in sexual harassment, of people rushing to judgment, and of false accusers being punished.

Today’s Gospel (John 8:1-11) deals with mercy and an awareness of human weakness (“Let the one among you who is without sin cast the first stone.”)

As we read and hear these readings, it is easy to think of the scandal of certain members of the clergy sexually abusing minors: a terrible evil on so many levels. (The reality of pedophile recidivism has been learned at too great a cost and probably only the Parousia will eliminate the need for severe, healthy vigilance.)

Today’s readings provide all of us with an opportunity to examine our consciences with regard to evil and mercy - not only in the context of scandals such as these, but also in our everyday lives.

Do you and I ignore evil? Do we downplay the evil in ourselves or in people we like? Do we focus on evil and ignore the good?

Do you and I compound evil by our rash words or actions? Do we compound evil by our neglect of other responsibilities? Do we compound evil by letting it continue when we have the moral ability to stop it?

Are we too quick to explain things away or too quick to assume the worst?

Do we go along with the crowd or do we stand up for what is right?

Do we confuse mercy with weakness? Do we shirk our responsibilities under the guise of mercy? Do we let emotions or the need for action prevent us from also being instruments of mercy?

Do we ignore our own sinfulness while focusing on the sinfulness of others? Does our own repentant sinfulness keep us silent about sin around us?

We must fulfill our responsibilities as Christians.
We must help the needy,
protect the defenseless,
speak the truth,
and share the mercy of God.