St John Baptist de la Salle, Priest, pray for us
5th Week of Lent (C) : Monday 7th April 2025
Dan 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
(or 13:41-62); Ps 22 (23):1-6; Jn 8:1-11 (Ps Wk I)
The classic Susanna episode showcased who was in the light. Her accusers were in the dark because they “threw reason aside, making no effort to turn their eyes to heaven, and forgetting its demands of virtue.” (Dan. 13:8-9). God answered her pleas to expose the dark secrets of her accusers. The Holy Spirit roused Daniel to bear light on the false evidence presented by her accusers. God saved the innocent Susanna.
Jewish Law requires that if someone is caught in adultery, both parties are brought along with the witnesses to a priest. However, in the case of the woman accused in John 8:2-11, the other party and witnesses are not presented. Jesus is asked to adjudicate by the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees violated the Law of God by presenting only the woman. Was Jesus writing on the ground the law the scribes and Pharisees violated? The outcome was that no one dared to accuse her.
Anyone who is innocent resonates the Psalm – “in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear” (Ps. 23:4) for the Lord walks before us lighting our paths (Ps. 119:105). When Jesus claims “I am the light of the world”, it is to testify His intimate union with His Father. His power and authority are on account of this union. The Father sent Him to be the light to the darkened minds and hearts of men and women.
Lord of light, enlighten our prayer to You as we walk in our valleys of darkness.
