April 8, 2019
In reading these two selections, I believe them to be very complementary. In Daniel (Susanna’s Virtue) we see a God-fearing woman placed in jeopardy for her life because she must choose to submit to the demands of the elders which would violate her morals or they will give false testimony that she had been with a man other than her husband which would mean her death. She chose death before dishonor and did not yield to their demands. As such, the populace believed the elders, judged her guilty without evidence, based only on the position held by the elders. She placed her faith in the Lord to be her protector and judge her actions accordingly. Daniel answered her prayers and proved her innocence.
In John (The Light of the World) the Pharisees challenge Jesus in that he testifies in his own behalf and as such his testimony cannot be verified. Jesus responds the Pharisees “judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.”
In both of these selections, the judgement of others played an important role in the readings. The people around Susanna and the Pharisees both were erroneous in their judgements. How many times a day do I make judgements regarding others around me and do not even realize I am doing such? What is “judgement”? Is it really wrong to judge the actions of others? How does doing so impact me?
It is hard not to pass judgement on the spur of the moment. It seems so evident I am correct in my “judgement” that there is no question as to its validity. But if the “judgement” of others is against me the validity is no longer there. How hypocritical of others to think they can judge me when they do not know my circumstances.
Bob and Tina Bousselot
St. Anthony Church Parishioner
