by their own words

Monday, March 30, 2009 Lenten Weekday

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or Daniel 13:41-62 Psalm 23:1-6 John 8:1-11

Daniel 13:61 They rose up against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. According to the law of Moses, they inflicted on them the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor:

I don't know if this scripture is studied in law schools, but it should be.
The truth is without need of defense. When people lie and falsely accuse they can usually be found out by simply listening to what they are saying. The problem is we are all too often ready and willing to pass judgement. Somehow we feel as though our own sins will not be discovered if we offer up another sacrifice. Often our strongest accusations are merely attempts to hide our own sins.
We must learn to listen rather than simply be moved by our fears and hatred. Justice must be rooted in truth.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always listen to the entire story so that I can better know the truth and help me to not put the due punishment of my own sins on others, but I thank you for the sacrifice that you have already given me through Christ Jesus.

Amen