God Used Daniel To Reveal The Truth

Let us be eager to love and show mercy.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 5th Week of Lent B, March 18th, 2024
Texts: Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62; Psalm 23; John 8:1-11 

Reflecting on today’s first reading I ask the question, “How many innocent men and women have left this world with the name, sinner?” God used Daniel to reveal the truth in the case of Susanna. It is also possible that God keeps silent over such issue until the judgment day. Some people are prison, today, for crime they did not commit. They are there because a powerful man or woman want them there. They are Jesus Christ among the prisoners, for He was killed in between thieves.  

We can also think of so many the powerful have made sinners? They chose to sin for the fear of the powerful men and women. Only few could put their life on the line for fear of God. We have made so many sinners. What do we say about bad governance and corruption, which have impoverished the people and made them criminal! The question now is this: “Which of my actions make my neighbours sinner?” They are actions that make people do wrong, like abuse.

Bad news spread faster for this reason

Today’s first reading also reveals how eager we are to condemn and slow to look for the truth. Hence, Daniel said, “Are you such fools, you sons of Israel? Have you condemned a daughter of Israel without examination and without learning the facts?” We do not do examination and learn the facts because we are eager to condemn. Bad news spread faster for this reason. We should not join in spreading news we do not know the facts. It is honourable to do that. 

Jesus Christ teaches us in today’s gospel reading to be slow to condemn. He teaches us to be eager to learn the facts of every matter. Jesus did not condemn the woman. He said, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ... "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again." Let us be eager to love and show mercy and we will know what is right and often do it. 

Prayer 

O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke