Homily: March 23,2026, Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent (God's does not condemn)
“Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? They said this to test him.”
Today we heard two powerful stories - one from the Book of Daniel and another from the Gospel of John.
In the first reading, Susanna was truly innocent but was falsely accused and about to be condemned for something she never did. She was used as a scapegoat to cover up for the sins of covetous men pretending to be righteous.
In the Gospel reading, we see a slightly different situation. The woman caught in adultery was truly guilty of the sin. But similarly, she was used as a bait to trap Jesus, and Jesus cleverly diverted the tricks of those evil men pretending to be righteous.
In both cases, God saved the victims.
God is a defender of the innocent and savior of the vulnerable. In the Gospel, Jesus did not deny the woman’s sin, but he did not let that destroy her. He gave her a new beginning: “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
This is why Jesus says, “It is the will of Him who sent me that I should lose nothing of what He has given me.”
God does not want to lose any of His children.
From the very beginning of the Bible, we see this. When Cain killed Abel, God punished him but He also protected him with a mark so that no one would kill him. Even in justice, there is mercy. King David too, committed a grave sin, and when he repented, God forgave him.
St. Peter reminds us: “The Lord is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
This is the heart of God. It is full of love for His people.
In our modern world, we see both realities. There are many innocent people who suffer unjustly, accused falsely, and condemned wrongly. And there are also those who truly have done wrong but beyond punishment, they need conversion, mercy, and a chance to begin again. Because no one can claim to be free from sin. Everyone is guilty.
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” No one did.
God sees all. And God cares for all.
In the heart of God, both the innocent and the guilty are loved. He does not want to lose anyone.
Let us pray for justice - that the innocent may be protected, that truth may prevail, and that those in authority may act with wisdom and fairness.
Let us also pray for mercy - that sinners may be given the grace to repent, to change, and to return to God.
Amen.
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