Monday, 8th April 2019

In the first reading, Suzanna is accused by two respected and learned judges, who themselves lust for her, of committing adultery. Though seemingly trapped in a culture where men of age and position determine her fate, Suzanna demonstrates that purity, truthfulness and the practice of prayer are rewarded by God who answers her prayer through the intervention of the young man, Daniel.

In the Gospel passage, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of falsely claiming to be one who has been sent by God. They challenge the identity of Jesus on the grounds that the testimony that Jesus gives of himself is unreliable. In reply, Jesus claims that God the Father stands behind his self-revelation and he himself is clear about his own origins and goal in life, in contrast to his accusers who are ignorant and closed as regards the mystery of the person. They judge him from mere appearance and they lack the faith in order to go beyond their purely human standards.

It is never easy when people accuse us of doing something we did not or when our reputation is ‘damaged’ by false accusations by others. How do we respond to these accusations? The readings today remind us that in these situations, we are to remain faithful to God, to speak the truth, and to surrender everything to God in prayer. In other words, to “Let go and let God!”

Lord, help me to trust in You always.