Monday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

In today’s readings, we have two different women accused of adultery and nearing execution. The first woman, Susanna, we read is a blameless victim of vile treachery. The second woman, at the Mount of Olives, we read has been caught in the act. Both women are spared execution very differently but nonetheless through the mercy of God, both women are spared when God reminds those involved of their own shortcomings.

For Susanna, God has young Daniel open the crowd’s eyes to the sins of the treacherous judges through the misuse of rules and laws. When the judges met the fate they had conspired to bring about for Susanna, our old covenant (Mosaic Law) relationship with God was displayed.

For the woman at the Mount of Olives, Jesus opened the crowd’s eyes not by unveiling the actions of vile judges, but by changing hearts. When each stone remained harmlessly upon the dirt and Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.”, our new covenant (transformational love) relationship with God was displayed.

Prayer

Holy Father, God of Mercy,
Give us eyes to see the sin in our lives,
Give us the desire in our hearts to seek forgiveness from it,
Strengthen us to live righteously and sin no more.
Give us compassion when we encounter others,
And may we always be bearers of Your grace and mercy.
Amen.

Chad McEachern, ’91, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62

Psalm 23:1-6

Gospel: John 8:1-11

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website