Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Notes
Transcript
Women & Their Accusers
Women & Their Accusers
Susannah was innocent
Woman was caught in the act “in flagranti” - no mention of the man involved
Both are treated as less than human by their accusers
2 Judges - their lust overcame them; falsely accuse her to force her into unfaithfulness;
Scribes and Pharisees were using/objectifying a woman to trap Jesus - they cared more about Jesus; the woman just chattel in a legal debate.
God’s Mercy & Compassion
God’s Mercy & Compassion
In both situations we have mob justice about to kill the women
Daniel advocates for the women, and is able to prove the perjury of the evil judges - bringing about true justice. Susannah is freed, and is a shining model of endurance.
Jesus confronts the accusers with their own sin. Turns the tables on them, likely calling out their own sexual sin.
Jesus is left alone with the woman
Jesus is left alone with the woman
All leave, and as St. Augustine says, “only two remain, the wretched woman and Mercy Incarnate”
Jesus had been looking down - as if distancing himself from the situation, but now he looks up towards the woman
Jesus addresses her “Has no one condemned you?”
Jesus refers to her directly “You” as a person and no longer an object; as an adult, someone who can be in relationship, and with the greatest compassion.
Jesus has not only saved her physically, but now offers newness of life, able to be in relationship with God.
Unlike the other men in these stories - he was relaxed, could accept the woman openly as a person, lovingly, and not afraid of himself - perhaps demonstrating integration of his own sexuality.
For us - Our Response
For us - Our Response
Two woman restored by God
Consider during Women’s History Month the injustices of our past and today - as Christ’s followers work for equality and justice
God’s call to see in each other the image of God, a person deserving of respect and love.