Think Before You Throw

Reflection Date: March 23, 2026 | Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent 
Daily Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; John 8:1-11

Children of God:
Across Asia, different countries deal with adultery in very different ways, especially when women are involved. 

In some places influenced by strict interpretations of religious law, adultery can bring severe punishment. 

For example, in countries like Iran or Saudi Arabia, adultery can lead to imprisonment or other serious penalties under their legal systems. 

In some societies, women often suffer greater social shame than men when such cases become public. 

In other Asian countries like South Korea, adultery used to be a criminal offense punishable up to two years but the law was later removed in 2015. 

In India, adultery was once punishable under criminal law up to 5 years in prison, but the Supreme Court decriminalized it in 2018.  The court clarified that while adultery is no longer a criminal offense, it is still a valid ground for divorce, judicial separation, or maintenance issues under various personal laws. But here is an exception.  While adultery has been decriminalized for the general public, it remains a punishable offence for members of the armed forces, as confirmed by a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. That is in India.

Laws changed over time as societies reconsidered justice and personal dignity. 

In the Philippines, adultery remains a crime under the Revised Penal Code, and a married woman who commits adultery can face legal consequences. 

Yet Filipino culture also values compassion and family reconciliation. 

In many communities, people try to restore relationships rather than destroy them. These realities remind us that questions of justice and mercy continue to challenge societies today.

In the gospel story of John, the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. 

They placed her in the middle of the crowd and asked Jesus what should be done. 

According to the law of Moses, such a woman deserved to be stoned. But their real intention was to trap Jesus. 

Instead of answering immediately, Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. 

Then he stood up and said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 

One by one, the accusers left until no one remained except Jesus and the woman. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, Look at your own heart before judging others.

The crowd felt ready to punish the woman. They pointed fingers and held stones in their hands. It was easy for them to focus on her sin.

Jesus shifted the focus. His words forced each person to examine their own conscience. When they did, they slowly walked away.

Today we live in a world where people quickly criticize others. Social media, gossip, and public shaming make it easy to condemn. 

Yet the gospel invites us to pause and look at our own hearts first.

Second, Mercy gives people a chance to change.

Jesus did not deny that the woman made a mistake. He did not say that sin did not matter. But he chose mercy, instead of humiliating her. 

He protected her dignity in front of the crowd. Then he encouraged her to begin a new life. 

This reminds us that God’s mercy always opens a door to transformation. 

Our past does not define our future. 

Let me stress this again: we are not defined forever by our past mistakes. 

When we receive mercy, we also learn to give mercy.

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: Do I easily judge others without looking at my own weaknesses? When someone fails, do I choose condemnation or compassion? If God gives me another chance, how do I begin again with a better life?

Children of God:
The crowd came with stones in their hands, but they left with quiet hearts. 

The woman who expected punishment received mercy instead. 

That mercy did not ignore the truth, but it opened a new future. 

Our world often chooses quick judgment and public shame. 

But the gospel teaches us a better path. We remember that we also need forgiveness. We remember that every person deserves dignity. 

When we put down our stones, we begin to understand God’s heart. 

When we offer mercy, we reflect the love of Christ.