Introduction

The first reading is an addition from a later period to the Book of Daniel. Probably Shushanna (Lily) stands for faithful Israel. And so, in the form of an allegorical tale the story comments on the faithfulness of the pious Jews to Yahweh, notwithstanding corruption among (some of) the leaders. This popular tale was a warning against adultery, false witnessing and abuse of power, and an appeal for faithfulness in faith and marriage. In any case, the false accusers of the innocent are condemned themselves.

Not only is the false accusation and condemnation of the innocent reproved, but even that of the guilty. The gospel story about the adulterous women (written possibly by Luke rather than John) tells us that Christ does not give up on sinners; he continues with them a dialogue of grace and forgiveness and invites them to love. Sin is not minimized, but God’s forgiveness is greater than our human reasoning.

Opening Prayer

Just and merciful God,
you take pity even on sinners
and you continue with them
a dialogue of grace and hope.
Help us too never to condemn,
never to give up on people,
but to be patient, understanding and forgiving,
together with you and Jesus your Son
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Dn 13:41-62

[The elders started making their accusation, "We were taking a walk in the garden when this woman came in with two maids. She ordered them to shut the garden doors and dismissed them. Then a young man came out of hiding and lay with her. We were in a corner of the garden, and we saw this crime from there. We ran to them, and caught them in the act of embracing. We were unable to take hold of the man. He was too strong for us. He made a dash for the door, opened it and ran off. But we were able to seize this woman. We asked her who the young man was,] but she refused to tell us. This is our statement, and we testify to its truth."

The assembly took their word, since they were elders and judges of the people. Susanna was condemned to death. She cried aloud, "Eternal God, nothing is hidden from you; you know all things before they come to be. You know that these men have testified falsely against me. Would you let me die, though I am not guilty of all their malicious charges?"

The Lord heard her, and as she was being led to her execution, God aroused the holy spirit residing in a young lad named Daniel. He shouted, "I will have no part in the death of this woman!"

Those present turned to him, "What did you say?" they all asked.

Standing in their midst, he said to them, "Have you become fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of Israel without due process and in the absence of clear evidence? Return to court, for those men have testified falsely against her."
Hurriedly they returned, and the elders said to Daniel, "Come and sit with us, for you also possess the gifts bestowed by God upon the elders."

Daniel said to the people, "Separate these two from one another and I will examine each of them."

When the two elders were separated from each other, Daniel called one of them and said, "How wicked you have grown with age. Your sins of earlier days have piled up against you, and now is the time of reckoning. Remember how you have passed unjust sentences, condemning the innocent and freeing the guilty, although the Lord has said 'The innocent and the just should not be put to death.' Now, if you really witnessed the crime, under what tree did you see them do it?"

The elder answered, "Under a mastic tree."

Daniel said, "Your lie will cost you your head. You will be cut in two, as soon as the Lord's angel receives your sentence from God."

Putting the first one aside, Daniel called the other elder and said to him, "You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, you have long allowed yourself to be perverted by lust. This is how you have dealt with the daughters of Israel, who out of fear have yielded to you. But here is a daughter of Judah who would not tolerate your wickedness. Tell me then, under what tree did you catch them committing the crime?"
The answer came, "Under an oak."

"Your lie has also cost you your head," Daniel said. "God's angel waits to cut you both in two."
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.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1 -3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R.\ Even though I walk in the dark valley
      I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R.\ Even though I walk in the dark valley
      I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R.\ Even though I walk in the dark valley
      I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R.\ Even though I walk in the dark valley
      I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
R.\ Even though I walk in the dark valley
      I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

Gospel Introduction:

Not only is the false accusation and condemnation of the innocent reproved, but even that of the guilty. The gospel story about the adulterous women (written possibly by Luke rather than John) tells us that Christ does not give up on sinners; he continues with them a dialogue of grace and forgiveness and invites them to love. Sin is not minimized, but God’s forgiveness is greater than our human reasoning.

Gospel Reading: Jn 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak Jesus appeared in the Temple again. All the people came to him, and he sat down and began to teach them.

Then the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone. "Master," they said, "this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now the Law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but you, what do you say?" They said this to test Jesus, in order to have some charge against him.

Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. And as they continued to ask him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And he bent down again, writing on the ground.

As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

Then Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go away and don't sin again.