Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 8, 2019
First Reading: Daniel 13.2, 4-6, 8, 15-16, 19-23, 28, 41-46, 48-64
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Gospel: John 8.12-20
12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."13So the Pharisees said to him, "You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true."14Jesus answered, "Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.15You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.16Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.17In your Law it is written that the testimony of two men is true.18I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me."19They said to him therefore, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also."20These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that illuminate the triumph of truth and justice over deception and adversity. The story of Susanna from the Book of Daniel presents a tale of integrity and divine deliverance. Falsely accused by two corrupt elders, Susanna faces a dire situation, yet her unwavering faith in God leads to her salvation through the wisdom of Daniel. This narrative, part of the deuterocanonical texts, underscores the themes of justice and the intervention of the divine in human affairs.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims Himself as the "light of the world," emphasizing His divine authority and the truth He embodies. The Pharisees question His testimony, but Jesus affirms the validity of His words, supported by the Father. This passage highlights the conflict between human judgment and divine truth, inviting us to trust in God's wisdom over earthly perceptions.
Both readings converge on the theme of truth and justice. Susanna's story illustrates the failure of human justice and the triumph of divine intervention, while Jesus embodies the divine truth that transcends human understanding. Together, they call us to stand firm in our faith, trusting that God's truth will prevail despite life's challenges.
In our daily lives, we may face situations where our integrity is tested or we encounter unjust judgment. Like Susanna, we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God's justice. Like Jesus, we are to embody His truth, confident in His divine plan. The moral lesson is clear: integrity and faith are our guiding principles, and God's truth will ultimately triumph. Let us, therefore, walk in the light of Christ, trusting in His divine justice and truth.