God Is Our Defender And Our Refuge

Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30, 33-62:
John 8:1-11

Today’s scriptural passages remind us that God Himself defends those who are innocent, particularly when they cannot defend themselves. In today’s first reading, we see that two judges had inordinate desire to sleep with Susanna but she never gave in. In turn, they became infatuated with Susanna and have lied to save themselves, condemning her to death for something she did not do. She is only saved by asking God for help.

God heard her cry and sent the boy Daniel to deliver her from the wickedness of these men. After few interrogations, She was vindicated and the two men were condemned. As the story shows in the end, God delivers his obedient sons and daughters even though they walk through the valley of darkness, God is with them to save them. Only HIM has the final say.

In today’s gospel, we see something similar to the first story in the old testament although this time around the woman was guilty of the sin and she is about to be stoned for committing adultery only for Jesus to save her and forgives her sins and warned her never to sin any more. In both cases, those who had themselves sinned were quick to condemn others while covering up their own wrong doings;

Sometimes, we find ourselves in the situation of the women in today’s readings – we find ourselves in need of God’s healing and mercy. Let’s not be judgmental towards others. Humility is accepting the truth that we all are dependent on God’s grace and not be the one to ‘cast the first stone.’ What is your reaction when you come in contact with a person who “seems” to be a sinner? Are you quick to judge and conclude the worst of the person? Are you willing to love the sinner while not encouraging the sin? God sees us as we are and yet God forgives us our sins, fully and completely, so that we can become the people He wants us to be; fully human in His love, fully alive in His Spirit.

May God give us the grace to realize our own sinfulness and continue to turn to Him and seek His forgiveness and resolve to sin no more. Amen

Fr Joseph Osho