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 8:1-11
Summary
In our sacred readings today, we are given a juxtaposition of two events.
One is an allegory from the Prophet Daniel regarding Susanna, an innocent and devout woman.
The other an historical event in the life of Jesus with ‘this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery‘.
Susanna’s story is one of Justice triumphing over evil.
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.
In the second story Mercy blends with Justice over strict constructionists of the law bringing meaning to the psalm Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss (PS 85:11).
But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Confronted by the truth, they could no longer carry out judgment without mercy. Only Jesus and the woman remained.
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.”
Reflection
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).
The juxtaposition is the way in which we encounter justice and mercy becomes not just a reflection of what we do but also the state of who we are.
The two corrupt judges in the Suzanna story found death for their dishonesty and wickedness. The Elders in the Jesus story retreated (and I pray, repented) of their wickedness – that is to say – law without mercy.
God’s justice reveals truth.
God’s mercy restores life
And in Jesus, the two are never opposed.
For both women, liberation from injustice.
Suzanna → injustice of false accusation
Woman → injustice of merciless condemnation
Personal Reflection
Sometimes law should be embraced not as absolutes because the law is not meant to destroy, but to call the heart to conversion..
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry