Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 18, 2024
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 8.1-11
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 integrity of faith. The first reading from Daniel tells the story of Susanna, a righteous woman falsely accused by two corrupt elders. Despite the danger, Susanna refuses to compromise her faith, trusting in God’s deliverance. Through the wisdom of Daniel, the truth is revealed, and justice is served. The Gospel from John presents a similar scenario: a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. While the Pharisees seek to condemn her, Jesus challenges them to examine their own sinfulness before judging others. In the end, Jesus offers her mercy and a new beginning.
Both stories highlight the importance of standing firm in the face of injustice and the transformative power of God’s mercy. In Daniel, we see how corruption and false accusations can threaten the innocent, but also how God’s justice prevails through the courage of Susanna and the wisdom of Daniel. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that true judgment must be tempered with compassion and self-reflection. These readings remind us that our faith is not just about following rules but about living with integrity and trusting in God’s providence.
In our daily lives, these stories call us to reflect on how we judge others and ourselves. Do we act with the integrity of Susanna, refusing to compromise our values even in difficult situations? Do we extend the same mercy to others that Jesus offered the woman caught in adultery? Let us strive to be people of truth and compassion, trusting in God’s justice and grace. May we, like Susanna and the woman in the Gospel, find the strength to stand firm in our faith and to live with hearts open to God’s love.