Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62; John 8:1-11)
Both readings today exalt discernment and right judgment. Daniel sees through the lies of the old lechers wanting to condemn Susanna for adultery. Jesus shows himself even more insightful as he foils his nemeses’ attempt to condemn him. In the process he saves the adulteress’ life. But he does not let her sin go unnoticed; he demands that she never commit adultery again.
Something needs to be said about the sin of adultery itself. Of course, it is prohibited explicitly by the sixth commandment. But is seems to have survived well the condemnation by both divine and natural law. Today one’s adultery can be uncovered without the person losing status even if the person never repented. Yet adultery remains an insidious crime. It violates both the marriage contract and vow. It causes severe mental anguish and often the breakup of family with resultant child trauma. It undermines belief in God as much as the marriage covenant represents Christ’s relationship with the Church.
Like Jesus we do not want to condemn adulterers. But like him as well we want them to understand the gravity of their sin so that they do commit it again. We also should pray to God for the conviction and courage to be faithful to the vows that we have made.
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