"And they picked up stones..." (Jn 8, 1ff)

The woman caught in adultery know what it was like- the cold judgmental stares, condemning her guilty even before she could say anything.

They held stones in their hands- cold, heavy, granite, ready to inflict pain, hurt, suffering, death. "She deserves it", they think, in their hardened minds.

The Master continues to write in the sand, his finger writing in the soft grains. The impending death begins to close in as these men tighten their grip on their weapon of choice.

She trembles in fear- who will defend her?

The crowd waits and then the words which will strike the conscience of each one present: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

Silence, then the soft thud, then another and another.
The stones hit the ground.

Stones were intended for many things but not for killing.
Not too long after this episode, Jesus would also be threatened by stoning.
The corner stone rejected by the builders- they will try to eliminate Him.
Jesus, Bridge between the Father and us, will use all those stones which seek to destroy and maim and turn them into steps of mercy, compassion, faith- all that is needed to build up the Kingdom. 

We all carry stones in our hands- for what will we use them?