Readings: Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62, Ps. 23, John 8:1-11
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
The story of Susanna teaches us that God will never abandon His children who remain faithful and upright regardless of the temptations they face in life. It is a true-life story that tells of the courage of a well-trained innocent woman who preferred to die rather than consent to sin.
The judges felt they could blackmail her into giving in to their inordinate desire, but she said something that is real food for thought: “I am completely trapped. For if I do this, it will mean death for me; if I do not, I cannot escape your hands. I choose not to do it; I will fall into your hands, rather than sin in the sight of the Lord.” (Susanna 1:22-23 or Daniel 13)
Dear friends, it is always better to die for God’s sake than to live in sin. Nevertheless, when we stand for God, God never disregards us. Our Psalmist today sings: “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want… He is true to his name if I should walk in the valley of darkness, no evil will I fear… You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes.”
When all hope was lost for Susanna, God sent Daniel and endowed him with such wisdom and eloquence that no one could withstand him. The same judges who confessed to seeing this woman with a man gave conflicting answers when asked the name of the tree under which they had seen her, proving they were lying.
Every time we lie, we make the devil our father. This is why Jesus warned us: “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has nothing to do with the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44).
Always say the truth to shame the devil. Never allow evil to fester in your heart. Keep your mind pure from all lustful desires and immoral thoughts. Even if there is no one to defend you, God, who is your true shepherd, will not forsake you.
Let us pray: O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of the 5th week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62, Ps. 23, John 8:1-11)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu