Following our Lenten theme, Re:set, today’s particular focus is Re:store, and the text is the story of the woman caught in adultery and brought to Jesus by scribes and Pharisees to challenge his judgment. Words can build up or tear down. The accusers are using the law as a measuring stick, both to condemn the woman and to trap Jesus, and they cite the law’s given punishment, which is stoning, thus the sticks and stones. When Jesus stoops down and writes with his fingers it pauses the action and gives time for the accusers to reflect before they press him further. The final words of Jesus invite the people gathered to reflect, too, and for everyone to move forward.