The Accusers

The accusation is made.
Popular opinion backs it up, unaware of hidden agendas.
The trial is over almost before it is begun.
The punishment will be severe.
The Lord takes things in a different direction.

Those are the basic facts in both of today’s readings.

In the first reading (from Daniel 13), a false accusation is put forward by vengeful lechers. In the Gospel (John 8:1-11), a process of justice is hijacked for political purposes by cynical people in power.

In each reading, a single man stands against the accusers. In the first reading, Daniel calls for justice that is careful.

Are you such fools, O children of Israel!
To condemn a woman of Israel
without examination
and without clear evidence?

In the Gospel, our Lord calls for justice that is self-aware.

Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.

We must indeed strive for justice. We must protect the innocent and uphold the truth.

But also, in this world of instant gratification and often quicker condemnation, we must heed the lessons of today’s readings: to be always careful in our judgments, to be constantly mindful of our own sins and limitations, and at all times to obey the words of Christ:

Go,
and from now on
do not sin any more.