‘Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.’
The above prayer by the Psalmist could be placed on the lips of Susanna mentioned in our first reading today.
We read that her life hanged in a balance, as the two old dirty men accused her of adultery. Thanks to Daniel’s quick intervention, Susanna was saved. The lustful two dirty old men wanted a piece of her. If she refused their request, they were out to get her put to death. Susanna’s refusal to compromise with evil even in the face of death was an act of bravery. Young Daniel’s wisdom and God’s refusal to abandon the innocent suffering Susanna are things to reflect on this week.
Are you wondering how many Susanna are in our jails and prisons today?
How many Daniel’s?
How many could be like Daniel but do not have the courage to be so? Refused even to lift a finger!
The gospel reading present us with some worth similar story. The Scribes and Pharisees presented Jesus with a woman they said was caught in adultery. This poor woman was made to stand in the middle of the temple crowd. Like Susanna she was humiliated.
The Scribes and Pharisees wanted Jesus to pass a judgment on the woman about the adultery.
Jesus did something strange. He bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. As the Scribes and Pharisees continued to insist with their request, Jesus asked them a question “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”
The first among you who is without sin.
Who is without sin? That is the question!
Since none of them cast the first stone, Jesus shows compassion and forgiveness towards the woman who is brought to him for judgment. He does not condemn her, but instead offers her a chance to change her ways and start anew. Our God is a God of second change. “I have come not to call the righteous but sinners” Jesus said.
Lent is a time to start anew. Lent is a time of grace, a time to return to the Lord. Let us take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation offered during this season of repentance in our parishes. Do not be afraid to ask for help, for forgiveness.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool”
