Today’s Scriptures are loaded with intrigue and false accusations — all met by the power of God manifest in the insightful words of the young prophet Daniel and the selfless love of Jesus, “the Light of the World”.
THE IDEAL WOMAN TRAPPED IN A WICKED SNARE
The reading from Daniel 13 relates the saga of Susanna, wife of Joachim, who was falsely accused of adultery by two scorned, lust-filled elders. She stood condemned to death – until the “young boy” Daniel appeared on the scene and shrewdly defended Susanna from the perjury of the two elders; their individual testimony conflicted, and they both received the death sentence they sought for her.
CHRIST OUR LIGHT
The Gospel selection from John 8 shares Jesus responding to the charges of blasphemy and deceit made against Him by some evil-spirited Pharisees. Jesus had been teaching in the treasury of the temple area, proclaiming that He is the Light of the World, that God the Father had sent Him to share His life-giving message of selfless love. In word and deed, Jesus reveals Himself as the Light of the World, penetrating the darkness of human wickedness so often displayed in selfish, careless, baseless judgements.
May this Lenten season help us move beyond selfish judgements. May our hearts be touched by the wisdom of the young prophet Daniel and the Light and Life which is Jesus. May the Lord be our Shepherd and May He guides us along the right path. Amen.
Osho