Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash
Today it struck me in hearing the readings that perhaps the woman caught in the act of adultery may not have actually been caught in the act of adultery. Could it be that she, like Susanna in the first reading, was falsely accused? Was that what Jesus saw in those accusing her, the same evil intent of the men in the first reading?
When confronted with our deepest sinfulness, it can be easy to seek out an escape. The men in the first reading were unhappy they could not have their way with Susanna. Perhaps those who dragged the woman caught in the very act of adultery were making a false accusation to trap Jesus.
Either way, it struck me this morning that perhaps I have not thought deeply enough about the woman caught in adultery. She may very well have been committing adultery. But what struck me today was how easy it was to reach a conclusion without thinking it through.
I know that it is easy to try to blame others for my sin. I can focus on someone who disagrees with me and decide to make it worse by what I say, or think, or do.
But Daniel and Jesus set a good example for how to proceed. Daniel seeks evidence. Jesus reminds us that we have all sinned. We are never in any superior position, because as Jesus reminds us we have all sinned. None of us is in a position where we can claim spiritual superiority. In fact, to do so is to sin.
Knowing this, perhaps today we could make a resolve to ask God to help us to see our own sinfulness and to forgive others.
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, You are so forgiving and merciful. We are all made in your image and likeness. Even so, sometimes we forget our sinfulness and look down on others. Sometimes in our sinfulness we seek to hide by committing further evil against others. During this season of Lent, help us to focus on our own need to repent, and help us to in fact repent. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Music: Cheezy Piano Medley by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4833-cheezy-piano-medley
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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