Daily Readings - Mon Mar 22 2021
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
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.