Q U I C K S C A N

Why was the adulterous woman caught by the Pharisees?
How does Jesus catch people?
How does the woman experience new freedom?

Readers reflect on Friar Jack’s musings

by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.

Why was the adulterous woman caught by the Pharisees?

One of the most powerful scenes in the Gospel of John is the incident of the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:1-9). Caught by the Pharisees and Scribes, this poor woman is paraded before Jesus and a large crowd. It is so typical that the religious self-righteous are the ones who relish in catching people falling into sin, straying from the straight-and-narrow path of the law, which they, of course, observe to perfection.

It is strange that the woman is not the main interest of the religious leaders. But it is Jesus they really want. She is merely bait in one of their attempts to catch Jesus as a lawbreaker.

The word catch has an interesting origin, derived from the Latin verb captare, which means “to chase someone” (into a corner) and “to entangle in a snare.” In fact, the root of the word is the basis for our word harpoon. A harpoon is used to hook someone, which is what the leaders are trying to do with Jesus—hook him by the law.

How does Jesus catch people?

But just look how Jesus uses the word catch in his preaching and ministry.

When Jesus begins his public ministry, he chooses Peter and the two brothers, James and John, to be his first apostles. They are fishermen. But, curiously, Jesus tells them that “someday you will be catching men, not fish” (Lk 5:9-10). But in this case, people are being caught not to destroy them, but to give them new life. Isn’t that what the father of the prodigal son does when he runs down the hill to “catch” his son and carry him back to new life with his family? The father “ran to his son, embraced him (i.e., caught him), and kissed him” (Lk 15:20). It’s Jesus’ description of the good shepherd who goes after and catches the lost sheep lest it be lost forever.

And this is exactly what Jesus does when he catches poor, weak Peter who has just been tripped up, having denied Jesus three times in the High Priest’s courtyard. With a look of love, Jesus says, “I’ve got you Peter. You’re safe now.” The point is that when Jesus catches someone in his hands, it is not for the purpose of squeezing life out of him; rather it is to breathe new life into him.

That is why people crowded around Jesus, as Luke writes in his gospel (Lk 15:1). There was something about his face, his countenance and his voice that drew people so that, in an image that seems so appropriate, they often jumped into his arms to be reborn. In fact, rejoicing is one of the criteria for what it means to be a true Christian and a disciple of Jesus. If we are to rejoice, however, it is not at the image of a sinner getting his just deserts. Rather, it is a sinner who gets a second chance, as did Peter, the prodigal son and the adulterous woman. It is exactly what Jesus means when he says, “There is more rejoicing in heaven for one sinner who repents than for 99 who have no need of repentance” (Lk 15:7).

How does the woman experience new freedom?

When Jesus looks at the adulterous woman, can you imagine what his eyes must have told her and what she saw? Think of what went on in her heart when Jesus asks, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” After she replies, “No one, sir,” Jesus offers her absolution with his words, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more” (Jn 8:10-11). And for the first time in her life, this woman knows what it means to be free. While making her way through the crowd, she is never more alive than at that moment.

But what about the man, her partner in sin, who was not brought before Jesus? It just doesn’t seem fair. In frustration, people sometimes think he got off scot-free. But that’s not true. In fact, it was unfortunate that he, too, was not brought before Jesus with the woman. Why? He missed the moment of freedom and grace that the woman experienced. The newly reborn woman would surely tell him that if she ever had the chance.

Friar Jack’s Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jack’s musings on “Philippine Diary: Five Days in Zamboanga.”

Dear Friar Jack: What a wonderful and inspirational article on your trip to Zamboanga! It provided hope that Muslims and Christians can live together in peace. This brings hope for peace in the world. Thank you. Mary (NY)

Dear Friar Jack: I read your report on Zamboanga with great interest. You have a flair for writing. The report accompanied by photographs makes us feel that we are visiting those places and persons. As you are interested in Christian-Muslim dialogue, I’m interested in Christian-Hindu dialogue. Eighty percent of the population of India is comprised of Hindus. Wishing you all the best! Rosario (India)

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you very much for your article, “Five Days in Zamboanga.” I truly enjoyed reading it, and it also brought tears to my eyes. With all the bad news here in the U.S.A and the global economy in the bigger picture, it gives me joy to learn that CFCA is making our small donations work for God’s glory. My wife and I are CFCA sponsors (with two children in South America and an elderly lady in the Philippines). Yours in Christ, Stan (USA)

Dear Mary, Rosario and Stan: I admire you and the many others who reveal a sense of care, solidarity and respect for people of other faiths and cultures. I remember you and, indeed, all my readers in my prayers. Friar Jack

Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org.

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