Daily Readings - Mon Apr 08 2019
John
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was 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.