April 7. “Have you condemned a daughter of Israel without an examination?”  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. Two elders of the people desired Susanna a beautiful woman, the wife of their host, threatened her and falsely accused her, when she refused them. The prophet Daniel was inspired to speak out for her as she was due to be executed unjustly, but justice prevailed and the two elders were punished for their evil intentions and lies.  Was abuse of women and lying officials already common in those Biblical times?”  “For sure, society hasn’t really changed has it, but isn’t that why Jesus came in his own time to call people to repent and to practise justice?” “We sure need that today too with the high incidence of gbv.”   “I’m not too sure how I feel about mercy for the offenders though. Susanna did receive it but what about them?”

Reflect, share and act. Scripture:  Read the Susanna story from Daniel 13:1-62.  Pope Francis: Jesus’ words show that his holiness did not exclude deep emotions. On various occasions, he demonstrated a love that was both passionate and compassionate. He could be deeply moved and grieved, even to the point of shedding tears. It is clear that Jesus was not indifferent to the daily cares and concerns of people, such as their weariness or hunger: “I have compassion for this crowd… they have nothing to eat… they will faint on the way, and some of them have come from a great distance” (Mk 8:2-3).  DN 44.  JUBILEE.  The judgement of God, who is love will surely be based on love, and in particular on all that we have done or failed to do with regard to those in need, in whose midst Christ, the Judge himself, is present. SNC 23.  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.  FM 21.  Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published at www.marfam.org.za