Daily Readings - Mon Apr 04 2022
John
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
The first reading from the Book of Daniel tells the story of Susanna, a righteous and beautiful woman falsely accused by two corrupt elders who sought to exploit her. Despite the elders’ deceit and the danger of death, Susanna refused to sin against God, trusting in His providence. Her faith was rewarded when the young prophet Daniel intervened, exposing the elders’ lies and saving her from execution. This story highlights the power of integrity, the dangers of false testimony, and the ultimate triumph of truth.
In the Gospel, Jesus declares Himself the “light of the world,” emphasizing that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness. He defends His testimony against the Pharisees, who question its validity. Jesus explains that His judgment is true because it is not based on human opinion but on the unity of His will with the Father’s. He reminds them that His Father also testifies on His behalf, fulfilling the requirement of two witnesses in Jewish law. This passage underscores the divine authority of Jesus’ words and the importance of recognizing God’s truth in a world often shrouded in darkness.
Both readings invite us to reflect on the nature of truth and integrity. Like Susanna, we may face situations where we are tempted to compromise our values or face false accusations. Jesus’ words remind us that true light comes from God, and we must trust in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Let us strive to live with the same courage and faith as Susanna, and may we follow Christ, the light of the world, who guides us through life’s challenges and leads us to eternal truth.