On this Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent, the Word of God places before us two powerful and uncomfortable stories—stories of accusation, entrapment, and ultimately, God’s justice and mercy.
In the first reading, we hear about Susanna. She is innocent, yet trapped—set up by men driven by lust and power. When she refuses to sin, they turn against her, accusing her falsely. She stands alone, with no human defense. But she does not despair. She turns to God. And God hears her cry. Through the young Daniel, truth breaks through lies, and justice prevails.
In the Gospel, we encounter another woman—this time dragged before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. Unlike Susanna, this woman may indeed be guilty. But the situation is not about justice—it is a trap. They are not interested in righteousness; they are using her as a tool to trap Jesus.
And Jesus does something remarkable. He does not enter into their game. Instead, He bends down and writes on the ground. Then He says those unforgettable words: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, they walk away.
Two stories. Two women. Two situations. But one question for us:
Which side of the story are we on?
Are we like Susanna—misunderstood, falsely judged, perhaps even suffering silently? If so, today’s message is clear: God sees you. God hears you. God will defend you in His time.
Or are we like the accusers? Quick to judge, quick to condemn, sometimes even twisting facts or assuming the worst about others? It is easy to point fingers. It is harder to examine our own hearts.
Jesus invites us to pause before we accuse. To reflect before we condemn. To remember that we, too, stand in need of mercy.
And then comes the most beautiful part of the Gospel. After everyone leaves, Jesus turns to the woman and says:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
This is not permission to continue in sin—it is an invitation to transformation. Jesus does not deny the seriousness of sin, but He places mercy before condemnation, healing before punishment, and hope before shame.
God’s ways are not our ways. Where we often seek to expose, God seeks to restore. Where we rush to judgment, God offers redemption.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask for the grace:
to trust God when we are misunderstood,
to resist the temptation to judge others harshly, and to receive—and extend—the mercy of Christ.
Have you a wonderful week
