John 8:1-11

These words of Jesus are spoken all the time@ "I do not condemn you". In prayer we often feel condemned for our past, pr just for whatever in ourselves makes us feel shame. We condemn ourselves for meanness in the past, for our use of people for our own ends. We may also condemn ourselves for feelings we have or aspects of our personalities of which we feel ashamed. We can do nothing better than come before the Lord in shame and sin, and allow the words of mercy, "I do not condemn you" fill the shame, the guilt which makes our hearts and souls so empty.

Jesus is the one who never condemns, even when we are most condemnatory of ourselves. The look of Jesus to this condemned woman saved her - the look of divine and everlasting love. In prayer we can bring all the shame and guilt of our lives to this story of forgiveness and hear words spoken to each of us - "I do not condemn you."

As the people reflected on their lives and realised their need for forgiveness , they turned and went away. As I Reflect on my life and consider my need for forgiveness, I realise that I need to draw closer to Jesus, who loves me.

I hear the words of Jesus speaking to me - not condemning me, but giving me a new mission and a new vision of myself.