(Homily for April 3, 2017).
One issue which connects our readings today is the sin Adultery.
The sixth commandment says: “Thou shall not commit adultery.”
This sixth commandment forbids all acts of impurity ranging from
unholy thoughts, pornography, immodest dress and talk as well as sexual acts
either with oneself (masturbation) or with others (fornication; in the case of an
unmarried person and adultery where either party if married).
In Old Testament times, the sin of adultery was punishable by
death. As we read in Deuteronomy 22:23-24 “If there is a betrothed virgin, and
a man meets her in the city and lies with her, then you shall bring them both
out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones.”
However in practice, when a couple was caught in the act, only
the woman was stoned to death as we saw in both our readings which in itself
reflects a grave injustice in the Jewish society.
The story of Susana is a very touching story; one that reveals
corruption at the highest level in the case of the powerful Judges who were
lusting after a married woman. It also tells of the courage of a well-trained
innocent woman who chose death rather than consent to sin.
The story shows us how good eventually triumph over evil no
matter how powerful the evil people may be because God himself fights for the innocent.
Never give up on your goodness, evil people may appear to be succeeding but don’t
worry, God will send Daniel to expose them.
The corrupt judges felt they could rely on lies but in the end
their lies failed them. Dear friends, always say the truth and shame the devil.
Lies may take us thus far but they will never get us anywhere. Eventually truth
shows us to expose our lies.
No one ever expected the judges to be so corrupt but they
allowed themselves to get to that point. No one is above temptations no matter
how highly placed we are in the society. Be careful with the kind of thoughts
you allow in your hearts.
By feeding ourselves with immoral
pictures, videos and social media items, our minds are so corrupted and we find
it extremely difficult to avoid sin. To win the battle against sin, we must
begin to prepare by ensuring our hearts are free from immoral pictures,
imaginations and the like.
It is very easy to condemn others
when it comes to sexual sin yet we pretend as though we are innocent and
spotless. In the end, no one stoned the woman caught in the act of adultery because
from the oldest to the least, none was free from sin.
Jesus himself who alone was without
sin did not cast a stone at her instead he forgave her saying: “Go and sin no
more.” These words of Jesus should make a deep impression in our minds today. Avoid
sin, especially sexual sin, its only reward is death.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, clean my heart from all impurity and give me
the courage of Susana to always say “NO” despite the pressure around me. Amen.
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 5th Week of Lent. Bible
Study: Daniel 13:1-62 and John 8:1-11).
Fr. Abu.
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