Daily Readings - Mon Mar 30 2020
John
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?"6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.7But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that explore themes of integrity, justice, and divine intervention. The story of Susanna from the Book of Daniel presents a woman of deep faith and virtue who faces false accusations from corrupt elders. Despite the dire circumstances, Susanna's trust in God never wavers, and through the wisdom of Daniel, truth prevails, and justice is served. This narrative underscores the importance of standing firm in one's convictions and trusting in God's providence, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel reading from John complements this theme as Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees, seeking to test Jesus, present her for judgment according to the law of Moses. Jesus, in His wisdom and compassion, challenges the hypocrisy of her accusers, inviting the sinless to cast the first stone. His response, "Neither will I condemn you. Go, and now do not choose to sin anymore," embodies the essence of mercy and the call to repentance. This encounter highlights the balance between justice and compassion, reminding us that we are all in need of God's grace.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like Susanna, we may face false judgments or trials, but we are called to maintain our integrity and trust in God's plan. Like the woman in the Gospel, we are reminded that while we may stumble, God's mercy is always available to us. Let us strive to live with the integrity of Susanna and the humility of the woman who encountered Christ. May we seek truth, avoid hypocrisy, and extend compassion to others, remembering that we are all in need of God's forgiveness and grace.