Daily Readings - Mon Mar 22 2021
John
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and 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.