Church of the
Annunciation

“I am a sinner.” I am certainly speaking of myself but I am also quoting the former Cardinal from Argentina. When he was asked to accept the chair of St. Peter, the soon to be Pope Francis told his brother Cardinals: “I am a sinner.” This is no false piety or humility. Pope Francis is keenly aware of his sins. If we are not able to admit our sins, there is no need for Jesus Christ in our lives. In the Gospel according to John, a woman is publicly brought before Jesus accused of committing adultery.  (Not the man involved, just the woman!) The religious elders are attempting to trap Jesus by citing Mosaic Law to stone the woman for her crime. Jesus bends over and starts drawing in the dirt. Perhaps to give all those present a chance to think about what is happening. The Pharisees and scribes persist. Jesus looks and at them and says: “Let the one without sin, cast the first stone.”  One by one, beginning with elders, they walk away leaving the woman and Jesus alone. Jesus does not condone the sin and he does not condemn the sinner. Perhaps some here at Mass have sympathy for the woman especially if we have gone through a time of public sin and shame. But we can all identify with the Pharisees and scribes when we hold self-righteous stones of accusation and judgment in our hands ready to hurl at others. We can pray for the grace to drop the stones of anger and resentment. Our hands (and hearts) then will be open to receive God’s healing and forgiveness for our sins. Today is the feast of St. Patrick. Patrick, in his Confession acknowledges that he committed a serious sin and was reconciled in Christ. He returns to Ireland as a minister of reconciliation. The same ministry of reconciliation has been entrusted to us.