Daily Readings - Mon Mar 27 2023
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 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.