Daily Readings - Mon Mar 22 2021
John
1but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.2Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst4they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.5Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?"6This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."8And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground.9But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.10Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"11She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."]]
Sermon
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings present us with powerful narratives of justice, mercy, and divine intervention. In the first reading from Daniel, we encounter the story of Susanna, a righteous woman falsely accused by two corrupt elders. Her plight seems hopeless, yet God’s justice prevails through the wisdom of the young Daniel, who uncovers the elders’ deceit and saves Susanna from death. This story reminds us of God’s unwavering commitment to justice and His ability to deliver those who trust in Him, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In the Gospel, we find another dramatic scene where a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. The Pharisees, seeking to trap Him, cite the law of Moses, which prescribes stoning for such offenses. Jesus, however, responds with a profound challenge: “Let whoever is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” His words expose the hypocrisy of the accusers, and one by one, they depart, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. In His mercy, Jesus chooses not to condemn her but instead calls her to sin no more. This encounter underscores the transformative power of God’s mercy and the importance of humility and self-reflection in our lives.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we judge others and how we respond to sin. Like Daniel, we are called to stand for justice and truth, even when it is difficult. Like Jesus, we are reminded that mercy and compassion should guide our interactions with others. In our daily lives, we encounter situations where we may be tempted to judge or condemn. Let us instead choose to see the world through the lens of God’s mercy, trusting in His justice and striving to be instruments of His love and forgiveness. May we, like Susanna and the woman in the Gospel, turn to God in times of trial and allow His grace to transform us.