“The Freed Sinner” Finger Painting by: Ronald Raab, CSC 2020
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Gospel JN 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area,
and all the people started coming to him,
and he sat down and taught them.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman
who had been caught in adultery
and made her stand in the middle.
They said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught
in the very act of committing adultery.
Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.
So what do you say?”
They said this to test him,
so that they could have some charge to bring against him.
Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
But when they continued asking him,
he straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
And in response, they went away one by one,
beginning with the elders.
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.”
(This image of the “Freed Sinner” is a simple finger painting. I find it compelling and filled with emotion. I am learning over and over again in art that these people in Scripture are known to me, they remain in my heart. My art is revealing what is already there. On Friday, she came to be on paper. She took my breath away and I started to weep. I know she saw the face of the One who forgave her. Only she knows what Jesus wrote in the sand. I have to believe that he was finger painting, creating images from his heart of the mercy of the Father coming to life in the sand.
Broken But Not Divided 
Beautiful art and words!
Dear Fr. Ron, this painting is indeed filled with emotion! I thought Pope Francis gave a great message, when he said in effect, that we were not being punished, but God wants us to focus and ponder what is most important in life. I’m so thankful for this message! Your words of mercy are echoed by Joe Corpora’s “Milkshake Mass” which I”m watching now. Thanks for your prayers and guidance at this time of challenge and heartache. Love, prayers and hoping that you are always safe and healthy! -Danny Z-man
A beautiful painting. Thank you for sharing your feelings. I pray today for all people to look in the mirror and see Jesus on the other side and and speak honest and openly to Him. Then may everyone feel the mercy freely given by Him and have peace, love and let the fear vanish. God is here with us and now let us let God into our lives and into our hearts and heal us with His Mercy, and Love that He give to freely when we ask Him. This is the Prayer I pray today for all people, our church and world. Blessings to you Father Ron.