Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 7 April ‘25
Fifth Week of Lent – Monday
Daniel (Additions) 2:1–9, 15–17, 19–30, 33–62 | John 8:12–20
Will not Walk in Darkness!
Today’s First Reading is taken from the Deuterocanonical portion of the Book of Daniel—passages written in Greek. This section includes three key narratives:
(a) The Rescue of Susanna,
(b) The Song of the Three Youths, and
(c) The Temple of Bel (Baal).
The story of Susanna’s rescue is today’s focus. A married woman, Susanna is falsely accused of adultery by two elders who had developed lustful intentions toward her. Because these elders were judges, and adultery was punishable by death according to the Law, the people believed them. The case seemed tightly sealed—until the Spirit of the Lord stirs Daniel to intervene.
With wisdom, Daniel interrogates the elders separately, exposes their lies, and saves Susanna. In the end, the wicked elders are sentenced to death, and the innocent woman is saved.
The central message here is this: God stands with the powerless. Another key lesson is that when someone acts with wisdom at the right time, justice can prevail and the innocent can be rescued.
Gospel – John 8:12–20: The Light of the World
Following the episode of the woman caught in adultery, today’s Gospel picks up as Jesus boldly declares: “I am the Light of the world!”
This statement is immediately challenged by the Pharisees, who argue that His testimony about Himself cannot be valid. However, Jesus insists that He is not alone—He bears witness together with the Father who sent Him. In Jewish understanding, the testimony of two is valid (cf. Deut 19:15).
Still, the people continue to stumble over who Jesus is and who His Father is.
At this point, Jesus is in a vulnerable position, like Susanna. Yet just as God rescued Susanna, so too does the Father raise Jesus on the third day, affirming His righteousness.
What do these Readings Teach us Today?
(a) God stands with the weak and the righteous
In moments of injustice and suffering, especially for the vulnerable, God does not abandon. This is not always a guarantee of immediate justice—but it is the hope and perspective we hold on to. Sadly, even today, justice and mercy are often denied to the poor and innocent.
(b) Wisdom in action
Both Daniel and Jesus act with God-given wisdom. It is this wisdom that enables them to speak and act at the right moment and in the right way. Wisdom is not just knowing; it is discerning the time to act.
(c) Walk in the light
Even today, we sometimes pass judgment on the weak or the innocent—based on suspicion, prejudice, or hearsay. When we do this, we walk in darkness. Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world,” and to His disciples He adds, “You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14). We are called to reflect His light—through truth, justice, and mercy.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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