We pray for, and not, condemn criminals and sinners

There are four reasons why we have to do this. This reflection is being offered to help us begin a new way of relating with others. Easter gives human life a new beginning because of the resurrection of Jesus.

First, we belong to one family of human beings created by God. No man or woman is an island by himself or herself. To be insulated, isolated and alienated is against the will of God who unites.  Unity, togetherness, solidarity, brotherhood/sisterhood and community are marks of the family that is human. We have to be concerned about the one family welfare.

Third, every human being, and every family member, is born with inner goodness. Crime and sin cannot erase this inborn goodness. By praying one gets in touch with this goodness in the other and activates it to produce good thoughts, good desires and good decisions. This can later be the source of conversion, reform and transformation. Hence capital punishment is anti-human and should not be allowed.

Fourth, praying for the specific other in the human family who is socially branded a criminal and public sinner is to be reminded of one’s own sinfulness and possibility of criminal offenses. That is why to condemn others is tantamount to becoming a liar. Therefore there is no need to condemn criminals and public sinners. We only condemn the crime and sin but not the criminal and the sinner. It is the criminal and sinner who condemns himself/ herself. We can only declare that an act or behavior is immoral or sinful, a violation of human or divine law, and an offense to public sensibility. We can also express our sadness or rightful indignation without undignified words and expressions. Or, we can deplore the unfortunate human tragedy or failings.

If my memory does not fail me, I remember reading a story that during the Middle Ages there was a group of people who named their association The  Guild Against Throwers of the First Stone. This refers to the scenario in the gospel of John about the woman caught in the act of adultery whom according to the law of Moses must be stoned to death. The pharisees and scribes presented her publicly to Jesus testing him if he would agree to stoning or not. Jesus answered by saying, “Let the one who has no sin throw the first stone”. They all went away when Jesus wrote something with his fingers on the ground. Left alone with the woman, Jesus asked, “Has anyone condemned you?” “No one, Sir,” she replied. The Lord said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

The question remains. Why did the accusing scribes and pharisees go away when Jesus wrote something on the ground? Commentators say Jesus wrote their names on the dust after saying, “Let him who has no sin throw the first stone,” because they were involved in the adulterous encounter!

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