22 March, Monday — Righteousness and Truth will Prevail

Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent

Dan 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62
Jn 8:1-11

“If I should walk in the valley of darkness, no evil would I fear”

Some powerful readings we read today. We read of the compassion, mercy and love of God but also how we should hold on to the truths, our cChristian values and virtues, and not succumb nor trade them at any expense.

In the first reading, we are encouraged by how Susannah chose not to give in to the demands of the elders, even if it meant her reputation being destroyed or that she will be persecuted. Instead, she chose to hold on to her values and trust in the Lord, that truth will prevail. We are also encouraged to trust in the Lord, that whenever we are in compromising situations, to choose righteousness and truth, and not sell our souls to man or to evil. Even when the whole world condemns us, God knows the truth and will save us.

Indeed, with God, no evil do we need to fear.

We too need not fear having sinned; for God, in the Gospel, has shown us that we are all sinners, and that He still loves us if we allow Him to and seek His forgiveness. But more importantly, how we are to also not condemn nor judge others for their sins. Let us leave the judging to God.

Lent is a time to come back, to return to God, to cleanse our sins, to be renewed, to claim back our identity that is innocent, righteous and loved. We want to rely on God, so that in our lives, we will always stay true to ourselves and to Him, to do good, to be a witness to all around us of the mercy, peace and love of God.

May today’s readings provide us with the conviction that our lives aren’t determined by what others say about us, what we have done in life or what we have; but by what God sees and knows in our hearts. Let us continue to place our trust and our hope in Him. Amen.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Benjamin Mao)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for a strengthening of our faith. That even when we falter, we are able to recognise and seek forgiveness and repent for our sins. Help us not to judge or to condemn others, and help us to hold on to the truths and the hope you have for us. Amen.

Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for your mercy and love. Even when we turn away from you, your love for us doesn’t change, and you run after us when you see us returning from afar. Thank you Lord, for your assurance that we can place our hope and trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.