Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 4, 2022
First Reading: Daniel 13.1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-64
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,3he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Gospel: John 8.12-20
12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."13The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."14Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."19Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"20"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had 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.