Date: March 30, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: DN 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 OR 13:41C-62; Gospel: JN 8:1-11 |

Series:

Truth saves us from judgment and God’s mercy redeems us from condemnation.

The two readings today narrate parallel stories of women condemned to death. From the first reading, Susanna was framed up and accused of adultery by two Elders. She was about to be executed when Daniel appealed to seek for evidence that she may be judged justly. Susanna was vindicated by the truth and spared from death while her accusers were punished.

From today’s gospel, an adulterous woman was brought before Jesus to be judged. She was caught in the act of adultery. Jesus told the people that those who are not sinful may throw the first stone. No one dared because everyone realized, none of them is perfect. Jesus, the Innocent and the Perfect One was the most appropriate person to make the verdict—but what prevails is not condemnation but mercy.

Truth saves us from judgment and God’s mercy redeems us from condemnation.

But whether we will be spared from the physical death or not, let us learn from the courage of Susanna not to fall into the temptation to sin or to be tempted to lose faith. When Susanna was tested, here’s how she responded: “I am completely trapped,” Susanna groaned. “If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power. Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord.”

Before the looming threats of death, God just wants us to be still and believe in his power to give us life. Let us keep our faith. Let our goodness shine, and in the hour we do not expect, let God find us doing things pleasing to Him.