“I am the light of the world.

         Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62*

  (…)The assembly took their word,

Since they were elders and judges of the people. Susanna was condemned to death. She cried aloud, “Eternal God, nothing is hidden from you; you know all things before they come to be. You know that these men have testified falsely against me. Would you let me die, though I am not guilty of all their malicious charges?”

 The Lord heard her, and as she was being led to her execution, God aroused the holy spirit residing in a young lad named Daniel. He shouted, “I will have no part in the death of this woman!” (…….) 

Those present turned to him, “What did you say?” they all asked. Standing in their midst, he said to them, “Have you become fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of ­Israel without due process and in the absence of clear evi­dence? Return to court, for those men have testified false­ly against her.”(……)

 The whole assembly shouted and blessed God for helping those who hope in him. They turned against the two elders who, through Daniel’s efforts, had been con­­­victed by their own mouths. In accordance with Moses’ law, the penalty the two elders had intended to impose upon their neighbor was inflicted upon them. They were sentenced to death. Thus was the life of an innocent woman spared that day.

 

Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

Even thoug I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊ 

John 8:12-20

Jesus spoke to them again, "I am the Light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life." The Pharisees replied, "Now you are speaking on your own behalf, your testimony is worthless."

Then Jesus said, "Even though I bear witness to myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I have come from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going.

You judge by human standards; as for me, I don't judge anyone. But if I had to judge, my judgment would be valid for I am not alone: the Father who sent me is with me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid; so I am bearing witness to myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness to me."

 They asked him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You don't know me or my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father as well."  Jesus said these things when he was teaching in the Temple area, in the place where they received the offerings. No one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

 

 

 Gospel Reflection：

When Unanimity Trumps Justice

 One of the Talmudic statements that has confused modern jurisprudence is this: "If everyone is in agreement to condemn someone accused, release him, for he must be innocent."

In other words, unanimity in judgement often endangers justice, because such unanimity could be a sign of blind conformity to group think and of the fear of standing up for a more just but unpopular view; and at other times, it simply serves a hidden agenda.

Watch the movie "Twelve Angry Men" directed by Sidney Lumet to understand how unanimity can trump justice, and how one person choosing to dissent can change the verdict! Young Daniel shows the courage to dissent, and becomes the catalyst for the change of verdict and redemption of Susanna.

However, the reverse unanimity that led to the murder the two elders was unfortunate too! Our human judgements are imperfect, until we learn to judge in the Light of Christ.