Daily Readings - Mon Mar 27 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful stories that explore themes of justice, mercy, and the human condition. The first reading from Daniel tells the story of Susanna, a righteous woman falsely accused by two corrupt elders. Despite the danger, Susanna remains faithful, trusting in God’s justice. Her situation seems hopeless, but the young Daniel intervenes, using wisdom and discernment to uncover the truth, saving Susanna and exposing the elders’ deceit. The Gospel reading from John presents a similar scenario: a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus, and the Pharisees demand her stoning according to the law. Instead of condemning her, Jesus challenges her accusers to examine their own moral standing, saying, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, the accusers leave, and Jesus, with compassion, tells the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
Both readings highlight the tension between judgment and mercy, truth and deception. In the story of Susanna, Daniel’s wisdom and God’s providence bring light to a situation shrouded in lies. In the Gospel, Jesus’ response reveals the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and offers the woman a second chance. Together, these readings remind us that true justice is rooted in truth and compassion. They also challenge us to examine our own hearts and actions, recognizing that none of us is without sin.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we judge others and how we respond to wrongdoing. Like Daniel, we are called to seek truth and justice with integrity. Like Jesus, we are called to approach others with mercy and understanding. In a world often marked by division and condemnation, these stories remind us of the importance of humility and the transformative power of grace. Let us strive to be people of truth and compassion, always mindful of our own limitations and the boundless love of God.