ROCK THROWING
INTRODUCTION
The title of my homily for this Monday in the 5th Week of Lent is, “Rock Throwing.”
Sex sells. Sex opens eyes and ears. Sex triggers
questions and wonderments. Sex is how we got here. Sex is in today’s First
Reading and today’s gospel.
FIRST READING
In today’s first reading from the Prophet Daniel we have
the story of Susanna and the two dirty old men – both of whom are Peeping Toms
with lots of lust. [Daniel 13:41ff.]
They try to seduce her. They can’t pull it off. They fabricate
a tale about Susanna. She goes to trial. They try to get her killed. She ends up
being saved by the prophet Daniel – and the two men end up being executed.
Great story – that has lasted down to this day!
TODAY’S GOSPEL
Today’s Gospel – obviously paired with the first story
for today. It has the woman saved by the Prophet Jesus and the rock throwers
put down their weapons of woman destruction.[John 8:1-11]
MESSAGE FOR US
You heard both stories.
What is the message for you?
I like the message from the gospel: “Let the one among
you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
I hate the joke about a stone flying through the air –
and hitting the woman and Jesus saying, “Mother.”
But paradoxically I do like the joke because it tells me
that people know the story about not throwing stones and the story about Mary
being without sin.
I also like the comment that those who put down their
stones are the oldest at first. That tells me that sins – and then forgiveness
– is understood the older we are – hopefully.
We can also add that women’s rights are improving –
slowly around the world – compared to the women in both these stories. Yet
still read in the papers and women being beaten and killed for sexual behavior
and men get away with similar behavior.
HITTING
OURSELVES
A side point. I
have learned from listening to a lot of people – that the one person who
doesn’t drop their stone – is ourselves.
Many people hit themselves their whole lives for mistakes
made – especially sins of the flesh.
CONCLUSION
Drop the stones.
Stop and drop judging others.
Be understanding.
No comments:
Post a Comment