Update/reflection from Fr. Gratton (30 MAR 2020):

N.B. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered today for All of our Parishioners and for All Who are Lonely or Struggle with Depression

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Reflection on the daily Mass readings http://usccb.org/bible/readings/033020.cfm

We have some great readings for this Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent. The first reading is found in the Book of Daniel and deals with the inspiring story of Susanna (fun fact: this is one of the stories that was discarded from Protestant bibles in the 16th Century, but has been a part of Catholic and Orthodox Bibles since the 1st Century), and the Gospel focuses on the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery.

It is a tale of two women, today, and both have much to teach us.

The story of Susanna is full of emotion and complexity. She is a devout Jew, a wife, and lives an upright life according to her faith. One day two elders of the community see her, lust after her, and threaten blackmail if she does not let them take advantage of her. She refuses to go along with the plan, so they use all of their power and clout in the community to defame her. They claim she was committing adultery with a young man in the garden, and they convince the entire community of her “crime.” The people of the town are completely convinced by these two elders, and the court process becomes a “kangaroo court.” She is instantly accused and sentenced to death. As the people are about to rise up against her—and as her family and friends are standing beside her, wailing, and afraid of what is to happen to poor Susanna—an unlikely hero steps forward. Daniel sees through the charade, and convinces the people that the investigation into the details of the crime must be looked into anew. Acting like a seasoned detective, he separates the two elders so they cannot corroborate their lies. He asks them a simple question: “under what tree was the crime committed?” And in a simple answer from the mouths of these two elders, “a mastiff tree” and “an oak tree,” Daniel catches them in their lie for all to see. Susanna is saved from injustice, and the two elders are sentenced to the very fate that they had chosen for Susanna.

It is a powerful story of virtue, trust, and patience. Susanna is a true heroine in this biblical story. She rises above the base nature of evil men. She is willing to take on the worst accusations and punishment, despite knowing she is completely innocent. She is a woman who knows who she is, through and through. She knows that she is a daughter of Israel, and a chosen one of God. She knows that protecting her virtue and her faith are worth more than anything in this world—even life, itself. She is such an inspirational figure. She teaches us to stay true to God’s commandments, and to be patient under persecution, for God will always have the final say, whether in this life or the next. She teaches us to stay faithful to God, and to trust Him in every situation.

The second woman is almost the antithesis of Susanna. She is a woman who has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. She knows her sin and everyone else does, too. Here we have another hero who arises in this moment. Our Lord, Jesus, sees this woman and knows she has committed sin. He knows she and another have strayed from the love of God. He knows their faults and weaknesses. But after reminding the chief priests and elders about their own sins, He looks at this woman with loving eyes and says these words, “Neither do I condemn you. Now go, and sin no more.” He shows mercy, and propels her into a new life of true love and sacrifice.

These two stories are so wonderful during this time of Lent because they speak to us at different moments in our life. First, they remind us that there are times when we are persecuted unjustly—whether for our faith or for personal qualities that we possess—and that God is always watching and ready to save our souls no matter what evils the world has tried to plot against us. He will always have the final say for His sons and daughters in Christ; we are not alone! And second, they remind us that there are times when we commit sins and are justly condemned for our actions, but that we have a God who never gives up on us. And if we have the courage and trust to run back to Him, He will always look at us with those same loving eyes, and say, “neither do I condemn you. Now go, and sin no more.”

We have a God who both protects the righteous and fights for the conversion of sinners. No matter where you find yourself this day, lay everything at the feet of Jesus Christ. Trust that He will protect you, and see in His gaze how much He truly loves you.

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Be assured of my most fervent prayers for all of you.

In the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Fr. Gratton