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Homilies/Reflections

Monday week 5 Lent
By FR JULIUS OLAITAN

March 30, 2020 (Monday of Week Five of Lent)

 

We testify…

 

Dear friends in Christ, we are led to examine the unjust verdict, passed on an innocent woman Susanna. Two elders in the community testified falsely in chorus, to have this woman condemned to death. Is our society today any different? Religious oaths, professional oaths, marriage vows, political oaths, are now seen as routine. Where is the society going without the fear of God? Let me remind you that Coronavirus pandemic is still ravaging the world. Stay home except it is absolutely necessary to go out. Watch over your children. Wash your hands regularly or sanitise them. Avoid crowded places. Its not a time for party or club. Keep safe! We want you alive!

 

Our first reading today is from the Book of Daniel (13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62). The name Daniel itself means—God is my judge, and that plays out in this passage. This story makes it abundantly clear that corruption in the high places is not something new. No one has immunity to temptation. But it is quite disheartening that the elders in the society, who should set the example, use their position for selfish gains. These two corrupt elders, tried to blackmail Susanna into a relationship, and once she refused, they plotted and lied to have her executed. God raised a young boy Daniel, to interrogate them and put them to shame, as they couldn't agree on the details of their lie. God by that, saved the life of Susanna and caused the two elders to suffer the punishment they had designed for her. Only God gives true justice. Have you been fair to others in the way you seek honour, position and privileges for yourself? How well are you living up to the vows and oaths you have made? Is your conscience clear, that you have done your best and have been true to your commitments?

 

Today’s Gospel is from John 8:1-11  is the story of the woman caught in adultery. Unlike Susanna, she may be guilty as charged but even at that, when they brought her to Jesus, he used the opportunity to charge the crowd with their stones in hand to look into their own lives. If you point a finger at others, the rest are pointing at you.  Don’t be too quick to judge others. Are you free of sins too. Don’t just look at the particular sin of the other person, have you broken any of the commandments. Be afraid to live in the darkness of sin, do not allow the lures of the world, to corrupt your judgement, you will someday have to face God—the incorruptible judge.

 

Let us pray: Lord I commit myself to you, be merciful in judging me. Amen. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.


 
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