Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/427

 thus too,  in  order  to  teach  us  to  act  prudently,  and  not with precipitation  when  the  condemnation  of  our  neighbor is  in  question. The Pharisees  still  urged  Him;  and He lifted  up  Himself  and  said  to  them:  "  He  that  is without  sin  among  you,  let  him  first  cast  a  stone  at  her." This was  a  most  wise  decision;  He  neither  condemned nor acquitted  her,  but  attempted  to  move  her  accusers  to compunction  for  their  own  sins,  and  pity  for  others. " Be ye  merciful,  as  your  Heavenly  Father  is  also  merciful." (Luke vi.  36.)

III. The Pharisees  went  away  one  by  one,  and  left  the woman alone,  repentant  for  her  sin,  and  probably  with interior faith,  expecting  absolution  from  Christ. Christ understanding from  her,  that  no  one  had  condemned her, said,  "  Neither  will  I  condemn  thee,  go  and  now  sin no  more." (John viii.  11.)  Admire  the  riches  of  God's goodness,  patience,  and  longanimity  in  bringing  you  and others to  penance. How often  has  He  said  to  you,  "  now sin  no  more,"  and  yet  you  have  disobeyed  Him. " A man,  that  fasteth  for  his  sins,  and  doeth  the  same  again, what  doth  his  humbling  himself  profit  him?  Who  will hear  his  prayer?" (Ecclus. xxxiv.  31.)

I. A  woman  of  Canaan,  a  Gentile,  came  to  our  Lord  to obtain  the  cure  of  her  daughter. Her prayer  for  this favor was  most  perfect;  her  faith  was  great;  she  confessed Christ  to  be  the  son  of  David. Her reverence  was profound, for  "she  fell  down  at  His  feet." (Mark vii. 25.)    Her  charity  was  tender;  she  did  not  pray  for  her