March 18.    Ernestina shared with her friends, “I got quite a shock when I read the story of Susanna in the book of Daniel the other day.  Was abuse of women and lying officials already common in those Biblical times and even with important people in the community.“ “For sure society hasn’t really changed has it, but isn’t that why Jesus came too to call people to repent and to practise justice and mercy. He had a great concern for women that was unusual at the time.”   “But he wasn’t exactly merciful with those men who tried to accuse a woman of adultery.”  “I’m also not sure about mercy in this type of case.  It is a very big challenge in our day to deal with gbv.”     .     

Reflect, share. Scripture:   Read the story in the book of Daniel chapter 13 of Susanna who was falsely accused.   Pope Francis: Mercy is not opposed to justice, but rather expresses God’s way of reaching out to the sinner, offering him a new chance to look at himself, convert and believe.  The Face of Mercy 21.   The continuing forms of domination, arrogance, abuse, sexual perversion and violence are a product of a warped understanding of sexuality. Every form of sexual submission must be clearly rejected. This includes the improper interpretations of the passage in Ephesians which mirrors the cultural mentality of the time.  AL 153-6. Pray a Lenten prayer of faith.  God of love, thank you for the gift of sexuality and love expressed most deeply in marriage. May this gift of life in all of creation be appreciated and not abused.    Choose an appropriate action.