Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62; John 8:12-20)
Jesus calls himself “the light of the world.” He means that he brings clarity to a confused
society. Like Daniel in today’s first
reading, Jesus enables the people to discern truth from falsehood. On the surface Susanna, a beautiful woman who
dismisses her servants, seems like an adulteress. Likewise, the elderly men appear honorable. Fortunately, Daniel discerns who is guilty
and who is innocent.
In today’s gospel Jesus is in the position of Susanna. At this point in the gospel his opponents
have motives to want him dead. He is
winning the hearts of the people with his cures, his teaching, and his claim to
be God’s Son. When Jesus is raised both on
the cross and from the dead, he will cast full light on the situation. He will be vindicated of crime and, indeed,
recognized as Savior of the world. On the
other hand, his accusers will be recognized as manipulators.
We will see the drama of Jesus’ trial and triumph unfold during
Holy Week. It is more than
interesting. It is our salvation if we
recommit ourselves to him. Let us
prepare to do just that.
