DAILY- HOMILY

April 8, 2019 – MONDAY, 5th Week of Lent

Violet.

Dn 13: 1 – 9, 15 – 17, 19 – 30, 33 – 62 / Jn 8: 12 – 20

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Dn 13: 60 – 62

The whole assembly shouted and blessed God for helping those who hope in him. They turned against the two elders who, through Daniel's efforts, had been convicted by their own mouths. In accordance with Moses' Law, the penalty the two elders had intended to impose upon their neighbor was inflicted upon them. They were sentenced to death. Thus was the life of an innocent woman spared that day.

FROM THE GOSPEL READING:     Jn 8: 12 – 19

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the Light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light and life." The Pharisees replied, "Now you are speaking on your own behalf, your testimony is worthless."

Then Jesus said, "Even though I bear witness to myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I have come from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going.

"You judge by human standards; as for me, I do not judge anyone. But   if I had judge, my judgment would be valid for I am not alone:  the Father  who sent me is with me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid; so I am bearing witness to myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness to me."

They asked him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You do not know me or my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father as well."

REFLECTION

The story told in the first reading is sort of a morality play. Good and evil confront each other in Susanna and the two dirty elders. Goodness wins out.

The two old men threaten to bring false charges against Susanna if she rejects their unchaste importunities. The youth Daniel believes in Susanna's virtue and saves her by his adroit cross-examination of the two old men. He proves that the accusers have perjured themselves, that Susanna is guiltless. Justice has won out. Virtue and trust in God are rewarded.

In the Gospel reading, the Pharisees refuse to accept and to believe Jesus' teaching, even if he taught with great authority and performed many cures and miracles. Who were his witnesses? Following Mosaic Law, two witnesses were required.

Jesus argued that he had these two witnesses: he and his works witnessed to himself and so did his Father. Because of their prejudices and stubborn hearts, the Pharisees and the leaders of the Jews refused to listen to Jesus and his message.

If we are true followers of Christ, we would listen to his teaching and follow them. Do we really believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior? On whose word or testimony do we believe in him?

FINALLY, WE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED OUR PRAYERS AND FOR THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS THE MOST. 

BIRTHDAY 

     Irzan D. Jureidini

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 

     Jocelyn & Dr. Davis Chu

Have a good day!

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