Daily Readings - Mon Apr 04 2022
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
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.