Lent Reflections: Justice and Light in the Story of Susanna

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; John 8:12-20

Summary

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live (Ezekiel 33:11).

It is remarkable and therefore my remarks! Isn’t it impactful and critical to recall that for two days running our sacred readings deal with the maltreatment of women.

• One the Fifth Sunday of Lent – A Woman Caught in Adultery.
• One the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent – The Story of Susanna.

Worthy we are to learn and be corrected by the Lord! Light scatters the darkness of our souls!

In our reading from the Prophet Daniel is the story of Susanna. It ends well but it is a chilling narrative.

The themes are so similar it is amazing the warning we are receiving.

1. In both stories these are Men of Authority.
2. In both stories they wished to ‘use’ the woman (singular) for personal benefit (as they see it, not as reality).
3. In both stories they use the LAW as a way to justify their sin.
4. In both stories they use sexual ethics as a weapon.

Yesterday’s homily is here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2025/04/06/law-vs-mercy-lessons-from-the-gospel/

Susanna – picked out some key sentences

That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, “Wickedness has come out of Babylon: from the elders who were to govern the people as judges. (Dn 13:5)”. When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her. They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments (Dn 13:8-9). “Look,” they said, “the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us; give in to our desire, and lie with us. If you refuse, we will testify against you that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you. (Dn 13:20-21)”. [Confrontation and Escape, now a trial] In the midst of the people the two elders rose up and laid their hands on her head. Through tears she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly (Dn 13:34-35). [They lie] “We testify to this.” The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death (Dn 13:41).

It gets better! What a wonderfully written story and how it invokes in me the desire to say – Enough!

(See link below for the readings).

There are differences between the stories of course. Yesterday, they dropped their stones and walked away knowing they are sinners. In today’s reading they doubled-down (in our current idioms). This insistence in being evil brought them a horrible end.

In both stories, the Lord saved the women from the men. Period. End. Too important to miss especially in the season of Lent, a period of self-reflection.

Reflection

For the women reading: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side (PS 32:4ab).

Pray and insist with the Lord your safety and dignity given you in your very creation. The Lord knows your worries and will always come to your aid. I cannot speak to every instance and circumstances (we are all under the pain of death), but the divine will is most favorable to you, femininity of God, half of all the human population in the world!

But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me. (Dn 13:42-43)”

Personal Reflection

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (Jn 8:12).”

To know Jesus is to know light and truth. Light and truth bring a brilliant awareness of the distance between holiness and the human condition as my own. May we be inspired like Daniel, (God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel), to know and want true justice and restoration. Now and forever! Have the Light of Life!

Affirmation Prayer for Women

See link: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/05/28/thirty-three-days-of-affirmation-for-women-journey-of-spirituality-and-empowerment/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040725.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry