The story of the woman caught in adultery should give us pause. We ordinarily think that one’s behavior is what determines your relationship with God. The sinners are against God and the saints are on the side of God. That is not the Biblical image. Rather, everyone is welcomed by God first, even before looking at their behavior. According to the story, when addressing the adulterous woman Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” The mercy of God is extended to all as part of divine hospitality. Good behavior, therefore, is a response to God’s gift of compassion not a requirement to obtain it. That is why Jesus commands us “stop judging” — and that is why the Church sings “all are welcome in this place.”
