Emily prided herself on living a moral and upright life. She was active in the parish, coordinated the women’s group, and was known for her passionate talks on living virtuously. One afternoon, while chatting with a few friends after Mass, she overheard some shocking news that Sarah, a young woman in the parish, had committed abortion years ago – unknowing she had confessed and received absolution and penance.
Emily’s stomach turned with disgust. “How could she?” she whispered to her friend. “All this time, she’s been pretending to be holy. Some Christian she is.” That evening, Emily couldn’t stop thinking about it. Anger and judgment consumed her thoughts. When she saw Sarah at the next Sunday Mass, Emily avoided her, casting a disapproving glance in her direction.
At Mass, Father Michael gave a reflection on the Gospel of the adulterous woman, where Jesus said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” Emily stiffened in her seat, feeling justified in her anger. But as the homily continued, Father Michael spoke gently yet firmly: “Sometimes,” he said, “the heaviest stones we carry are the ones we throw at ourselves. Guilt and shame can crush us if we never allow God’s mercy to touch them.” Emily’s gaze drifted to Sarah, who was kneeling at the back of the church, her face hidden in her hands as she listened. A pang of guilt struck Emily’s heart as she realised that Sarah wasn’t just being judged by others – she was also casting stones at herself.
Father Michael continued, “When we judge others harshly, we forget that we, too, are in need of mercy. And sometimes, the person we judge the most is ourselves. Jesus didn’t come to condemn but to heal and restore. The woman caught in adultery didn’t just face the judgment of the crowd, she faced the judgment within her own heart. But Jesus lifted her up and gave her hope. Mercy calls us to do the same for ourselves and for others.” He then added, “We are not called to be proud of our sins or to boast about them. Sin should never be celebrated or treated lightly. But neither are we meant to remain trapped in guilt. True repentance means acknowledging our wrongs, seeking forgiveness, and allowing God’s grace to transform us. Pride in sin keeps us bound, but humble repentance sets us free.” Emily felt as if a weight had been lifted from her soul. She realised how blinded she had been by her self-righteousness, unable to see that Sarah was already broken and in need of compassion, not condemnation.
After Mass, she found Sarah outside, wiping away tears. Summoning her courage, Emily approached her. “Sarah,” she began gently, “can we talk?” Sarah hesitated but nodded. Emily took a deep breath. “I’ve been judgmental, and I’m truly sorry. I didn’t know your story, and I never considered how much pain you were carrying. Please forgive me.” Tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes as she replied, “I’ve judged myself harder than anyone else ever could. I can’t seem to forgive myself.” Emily placed a hand on her shoulder. “Father Michael’s right – sometimes we’re our own worst accusers. But God’s mercy is greater than our guilt. Let’s walk this journey together, supporting each other with compassion.” From that day on, Emily and Sarah formed an unexpected friendship rooted in healing and grace. Emily learned to replace judgment with empathy, and Sarah began to believe that God’s mercy could truly transform her past into a testimony of hope.
Reflection: Mercy and Transformative Repentance
In John 8:1-11, Jesus challenges the crowd ready to stone the woman caught in adultery by saying, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” The accusers walked away, convicted by their own consciences. Jesus did not condone the woman’s sin but showed mercy and gave her a chance to change: “Go and sin no more.” We are called not just to receive God’s mercy but to extend it to others and to ourselves. When we hold on to judgment and condemnation, whether directed at others or ourselves, we become like those in the crowd, quick to throw stones without acknowledging our own need for forgiveness. While we should never take pride in our sins or boast about our past mistakes, we also should not let guilt and shame paralyse us. True repentance is not just feeling sorry but turning away from sin and allowing God to create something new within us.
The Devil’s Strategy: Judgment and Self-Condemnation
The devil tempts us not only to judge others but also to judge ourselves harshly, whispering:
- “You’re beyond forgiveness.”
- “You should hate yourself for what you’ve done.”
- “God can’t truly love you after that.”
These lies aim to trap us in guilt and shame, keeping us from the freedom Christ offers. At the same time, the devil may tempt some to boast about their sins as if they are achievements, dulling the conscience and keeping the heart unrepentant. Jesus challenges us to drop these stones, both the ones we throw at others and those we hurl at ourselves, while rejecting the temptation to take pride in wrongdoing.
Call to Action: This week, reflect on these questions:
- Have I judged others without knowing their struggles?
- Have I condemned myself, refusing to let go of guilt?
- Have I ever been proud of my past sins rather than repentant?
- How can I show compassion and support instead of criticism and judgment?
Take a transformative step and start to offer kindness instead of condemnation to those you have judged harshly. If you are carrying guilt and shame, seek God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and let His love heal your heart.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, free me from pride, judgment, and self-condemnation.
Help me to see others with compassion and to recognise my own need for Your mercy.
Grant me the grace to forgive myself and to embrace Your healing love.
Teach me to put down my stones and lift up those who are broken, just as You have lifted me.
May I never take pride in my sins but always seek Your transforming grace.
Amen.