Mercy makes us attentive to the voice of truth. We do not know what ever happened to the woman caught in adultery, after her encounter with Jesus. It is hoped that she found what she needed to feel true sorrow. What we do know is that through his gentle and wise persuasiveness, Jesus puts the Pharisees in their place and opens the door to grace for this child of God. Being exploited and used to test and discredit Jesus, she who is publicly known to be a sinner is now the victim. Jesus never tolerates people being used and immediately rushes to her defense. As the author of mercy, Jesus became her advocate and opened the door for her to God’s love. Jesus also stands between us and the harsh, judgmental, and often hurtful stance of our world. He invites us to grace, to leave the sin that binds us, and for which we are often criticized, and pursue a life of virtue and freedom.