Daily Readings - Mon Mar 27 2023
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
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.