First Reading: (Daniel 13:1–9, 15–17, 19–30, 33–62)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 23)
Response: Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
Gospel: (John 8:1–11)
Reflection:
Casting the first stone. What does this mean? It means that the evil we do has a way of returning to us. What we throw into the world often comes back, sometimes with greater force.
From experience, those who are quickest to accuse others, those who take pleasure in exposing the faults of others, are often the worst offenders themselves. Yes, it may sound harsh, but it is true.
If you find yourself enjoying conversations about the sins of others, pause and reflect. You may be worse than those you are discussing. Why? Because there is a hidden pride in it.
We speak about others to hide behind their sins. We say, “Look at what they have done,” so that no one looks at us. We create distractions so that our own weaknesses remain unseen.
But the truth is this: if we were truly aware of our own faults, if we truly examined our conscience, we would not take pleasure in discussing others.
The stone is always light when we are throwing it at others. But when we are asked to throw that same stone at ourselves, suddenly it becomes heavy, and we drop it.
“Let the one who has not sinned cast the first stone.”
These are not just words, they are a mirror.
The woman in the Gospel was guilty. She did not deny it. She stood there in silence.
But what about her accusers?
Was she alone in that sin? Where was the man? Why was only she brought forward?
Those ready to stone her were not innocent. Perhaps some of them had committed worse sins. Yet they stood there, ready to judge her.
When Jesus spoke, something happened.
The stones became heavy.
Not physically, but spiritually.
Each one realized: “If I throw this stone, I condemn myself.”
And so they walked away.
My friends, how easy it is to point fingers. How easy it is to discuss others’ failures.
But Jesus calls us to something higher:
Not condemnation, but reflection
Not exposure, but mercy
Not gossip, but prayer
When people bring you stories about others, close your ears. Ask yourself:
Am I better?
Would I want my own sins exposed like this?
Imagine if Jesus had listed the sins of the Pharisees publicly. Imagine the shame.
But He did not.
Why? Because mercy triumphs over judgment.
A wise saying reminds us: “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
Holiness is not proven by exposing others, it is proven by humility and prayer.
If you want to measure your holiness, here is the test:
Can you see the faults of others and remain silent?
Can you pray for them instead of speaking about them?
If yes, you are growing in holiness.
If not, there is work to do.
Some people enjoy gossip. They seek it out, share it, and feel justified. But they forget: their own story is not fully known.
Others remain silent, not because they are ignorant, but because they understand grace.
Imagine if everyone’s sins were exposed. None of us would stand.
It is only by the grace of God that we are here.
So today, let us make a decision:
To drop our stones
To guard our tongues
To pray for others
Because the moment we forget our own weakness is the moment we begin to fall.
Let's drop our stones, lest we end up throwing them at ourselves.
Amen.
Have a great week.
God bless Fr. Blessed for this Word.
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