Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent - March 18

 Daniel 13:41c-62     John 8:12-20

Both of today’s readings address questions of innocence and judgment. In the first reading, Susanna is blameless of the crime the two elders accuse her of. The elders know, Susanna knows it and we as readers know it too. Nevertheless, Susanna has few options beyond claiming her innocence, though the unjust elders could condemn her to death,

The unnamed prostitute in John’s gospel provides a contrast to Susanna as she does not protest her guilt or proclaim her innocence. She, too, passively accepts the likely death sentence for her crime. The gospel passage instead points to the collective guilt of the crowd that brought her before Jesus. As we watch this story develop, we are not seeing how the prostitute can escape her punishment.

In both readings, the crowds observing these situations go along with the prevailing opinion regarding the respective guilt of these women. The saving grace in both cases is the moral authority and courage of one individual. For Susanna, Daniel confronts these corrupt elders and demands to interrogate them separately. No one else challenged their authority to determine the guilt of Susanna. Daniel saves Susanna’s life.

The prostitute is likewise saved by the intercession of one person—Jesus. The way the prostitute is saved differs from Susanna. However, she is spared. Despite the fervor of the crowd to punish her, the prostitute does not die. Daniel uncovers the corruption and guilt of the two elders through interrogation. Jesus similarly uncovers the guilt of the crowd with one simple request. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The crowd disperses as everyone acknowledges their sinful nature.

There is an important difference between these two women. Susanna is not guilty of a crime, while the prostitute was. Jesus’ forgiving nature provides a new path. Through his act of redemption, the unnamed prostitute can become a righteous woman like Susanna. May we all find redemption this Lenten season.

Q: To which woman’s situation can I most relate? Who has stood up and defended me?

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