From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 + Psalm 23:1,6 + John 8:1-11

A Short Lectio Divina

So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. go, and from now on do not sin any more.” John 8:9-11

To imaginatively place ourselves in a Gospel scene is an ancient spiritual practice. To do so here invites us to first see ourselves in a special practice. To do so here invites us to first see ourselves in a special place: alone with Jesus.

Now he asks: Who has condemned us?

Well, after a few decades of living, we might have some voices stored in our heads, voices that have judged and condemned. But who, Jesus asks – not just that woman but us right now – has power over us? Do they? Can they change who we are in God’s loving, merciful gaze? Realising this, we might find ourselves echoing her answer: No one. And perhaps we will rise, believing it. Believing him.

Jesus, I bring you all of my pain and doubt.

□ Amy Welborn