Lent Reflection: Embracing Mercy and Transformation in the Digital Age

My Reflection

1. We are reminded of the merciful approach Jesus took in handling the case of the adulterous woman. The Pharisees, adhering to Moses’ Law, brought the woman before Jesus, stating,

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”

This encounter vividly illustrates the harsh legalism of the time, with the Pharisees nearly eager to enforce the punitive measure of stoning.

2. In contrast to those times, our society today does not allow us to stone individuals for their sins, but a modern form of public shaming, especially prevalent on social media like X (formerly Twitter), serves as a parallel. Many Catholics and others use these platforms to voice their opposition to contemporary ideologies like wokeism, upholding moral principles. While I completely agree with them that it is essential to advocate for righteousness, I have observed that the dialogue can devolve into slander and humiliation, akin to casting stones in a digital sphere. While words do not physically harm a person, sharp words can profoundly hurt the soul or psyche, mirroring the damage of physical stones.

3. I understand these Catholics’ reaction to the people who are against the Catholic religion itself and all the values it represents. Even I, who have a high standard of morality and am trying to be moral and righteous myself, react negatively toward people who do not share my values, do not share my morality, and are anti-Catholic.

4. However, Jesus also teaches us to love our neighbors, as stated in Mark 12:31,

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

In this context, Jesus, facing this test, did not respond with condemnation but with a call for personal reflection, saying,

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

His approach shifted the emphasis from punitive action to individual introspection and the opportunity for repentance.

5. In modern times, this means that we should not harm others who are objectively speaking, doing sinful and immoral things, by throwing slander and most humiliating words against them in public forums like X. Many times, I have noticed that people humiliate those they argue with or oppose by using below-the-belt words or even unrelated comments about appearance and family, actions which can leave lasting emotional scars or deeply wound their inner sense of worth.

6. Sometimes, these sinful people that Catholics argue or fight with are bullies themselves. But we cannot be throwing stones at each other. Because like the Pharisees, even though we know we are more moral and are practicing the Catholic faith, while they are not, Jesus tells us not to throw the stone because we are with sin.

7. The central point of Lent is to acknowledge our own sinfulness. Even if we are good in God’s eyes and are morally blameless, due to original sin, we are still of sin.

8. And this, I think, will make us more charitable to our neighbors, especially to those who need mercy, as The Fatima Prayer implores:

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.”

In the fight against wokeism, while it is necessary to identify sinful acts, we should consider the individual’s background and challenges, such as bad parenting, suffering from poor home environments, and facing challenging situations and unsupportive environments, probably since childhood. Considering these aspects of the person would help us not stoop to their level and refrain from humiliating them.

9. Therefore, even though it may seem difficult, following Jesus’ directive to cast a stone only if “without sin,” we should continue to voice our beliefs and values on social media like X, but avoid harming and hurting others, recognizing our own sinfulness.

10. After the accusers departed, Jesus addressed the woman,

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more,”

emphasizing the importance of transformation and redemption over mere punishment.

11. This narrative showcases Jesus’ commitment to justice imbued with compassion and love, fulfilling the true intent of the Law: restoration and reconciliation with God, rather than retribution. It serves as a potent reminder that, while we are called to recognize sin, we must also embrace mercy, fostering genuine transformation and conversion—as all of us are in need of mercy, transformation, and conversion.

12. As faithful Catholics, we are invited to reflect on our own vulnerabilities to sin and the universal need for God’s mercy, advocating for justice that embodies the transformative power of love and forgiveness in this digital age of our Salvation History. While we are not publicly shamed by God for our sins, He calls us to ‘sin no more,’ encouraging us to live a life of virtue, morality, and holiness in both our private and public lives.

Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Mama Mary, pray for us!

Amen.