The Good News Is… Rooted In Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness

While Jesus is teaching in the Temple, some scribes and Pharisees interrupt Jesus to put both him - and a woman caught in adultery - on trial. Their questioning intensifies as they cite Mosaic Law and put the woman’s fate in Jesus’ hands. Instead of focusing on punishment, Jesus flips the script and invites each person to consider their own sin. As we wrestle with our own rules, we should ask, “What is the most just, merciful, and faithful interpretation?”

Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.” Therefore, the good news should bring us back to our roots. Emulating Jesus and embodying his teachings should ground us in who God created us to be. Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news? Yes! We can and we must!