Please God!

Moments in Philippine Daily Inquirer by Fr Jerry Orbos SVD

In the Gospel according to John 8: 1-11), we hear the story of the woman caught in adultery and about to be stoned to death by the scribes and the Pharisees in accordance with their Jewish law. Jesus saved her by simply saying: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” What Jesus in effect said was that all of them had committed sins, and they had no right to condemn and accuse someone who, so to speak, was a cheater just like them. In our journey to God’s heart, let us learn not to be judgmental and self-righteous. We are all sinners, period. Let us learn to be humble, and be respectful of one another.

Remember that the evil one is called “The Great Accuser,” and anyone who plays the game of accusation, judgment and condemnation is playing his game. Beware! Don’t become his agent. Don’t let him make you believe that you are better than others, or holier than the rest.

Please remember that those who throw mud at others get their hands dirtied in the process of doing so. Better not to throw mud. Better to throw prayers, understanding, compassion and love, for in the end, who are we to judge?

Let us not play the game of politicians who step on their opponents to get to the top, or who operate their “dirty tricks department” in order to destroy and eliminate their rivals. Anyone who uses guns, goons and gold to win in the coming elections will most likely apply the same strategy once they are in office. Careful! Let us choose instead those who have God, goodness and guts!

People who think ill or speak ill of others are harboring a lot of insecurities. Those who rejoice in the failures of others (real or imagined) oftentimes are shallow, vain, insecure and cruel! We take comfort in today’s Gospel message of a compassionate, merciful and loving God. God does not sleep. God knows. And God, in His own time, will serve justice to those who are accused, persecuted and oppressed.