What do you think Jesus was writing in the sand? Maybe He bent down and wrote in the sand so that he would not have to look anyone in the eye, because if he did, he knew that he would be able to read their minds. If he had looked at the woman, her eyes would have been full of shame at having been caught doing one of the three worst sins a Jew could commit, the other two being murder and idolatry. If he looked into the eyes of the Pharisees, he would have seen anger and hatred, both for the woman and for him. Jesus was a big threat to them and they were anxious to catch him saying something wrong so that they could discredit him.
What would the woman have seen in Jesus' eyes? Consider his words: "Woman, has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she answered. Jesus said, "Nor do I condemn you." If we had been there, we would have probably seen a look of forgiveness or what could be called the "look of love". What the woman would have seen would have been the eyes of compassion.
What will people see in our eyes? Will they see eyes that lack understanding or eyes that are full of compassion?
Let me share with you a discussion that came up at last week’s committee meeting. The committee was struggling with the word “dues.” It sounds so judgmental and impersonal. They recognized that a third of the people attending this church do not pay the annual PNCC dues. These farmers feared that this "label" is too judgmental and it does not reflect the true spirit of Holy Family. They know that a few of you cannot afford $140 per year. So, the farmers agreed to compose a letter. It will be an invitation asking permission to put your name down as a “disciple” of Holy Family.
The fact is the committee hates the idea of “paying dues” since it
reminds them of the old fashioned “pew rent.” So, these good neighbors voted to
pay the $140 for each person whether they chose to pay or can’t pay. They wanted
everyone to know that your presence indicates a desire that you want to be
identified as a disciple of Jesus and they appreciate your faith and trust to
be part of this family.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who have the eyes of
compassion. I consider all of you to be disciples of Jesus called to serve and
use your gifts to bring Jesus’ compassion to those in need of comfort and
healing.
