Today is one of those days
on life’s journey
when I’m very much aware
of my own shortcomings.
I come before you, Lord,
in the Blessed Sacrament
at the Adoration Convent.

As I sit there beside Paul,
in prayer,
I remember how you reacted
when delighted crowds
presented to you
a woman caught committing adultery.

The crowd wanted you
to make a choice.
Would you choose to follow the Law
and condemn her to death?
Or would you choose to spare her life instead?

You made your choice
and it was unexpected.
You chose not to judge.
and not to condemn.
You simply suggested
that the first stone should be thrown
by someone who had never sinned.
When no one was willing
to take you up on your offer
you simply invited the woman
to “go and sin no more”.

And as I sit before you today,
so aware of my many shortcomings,
I sense love, not judgement
and support, not condemnation.
I sense you speak
the same words to me,
“Go and sin no more.”

“Will you come with me, Lord?” I ask.
“Of course,” you reply with a smile.
And in my mind’s eye
I see myself on life’s journey
with Paul on one side
and You on the other
and I just know
that everything is going to be alright.

(c) Claire Murray, 27/2/16