Monday of the 5th week of Lent
First reading Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62
Saint John Baptist de la Salle
The story of Susanna, proclaimed on this Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent, offers a deeply moving reflection on innocence, courage, and unwavering trust in God. Susanna, though falsely accused by corrupt men and threatened with death, chooses to remain faithful to the Lord rather than submit to sin or yield to human pressure. Her choice is not only an act of moral integrity but also a profound expression of faith. She believed that even in the face of injustice and public shame, God will not abandon those who are faithful to Him. In a world where external pressures, fear of judgment, and the temptation to compromise are often overwhelming, Susanna’s example challenges us to ask where we place our trust. Lent is a season that draws us into this very question: Do we rely on God’s intervention or are we swayed by human approval? Do we seek to preserve our image, or do we strive to live with integrity before the Lord who sees all? Susanna’s vindication through the wisdom and courage of the young Daniel reveals that God intervenes, sometimes in hidden or unexpected ways, to help those who trust in Him. Let’s reflect: Lent is to get rid of fear or compromise and to trust in the Lord.
Don Giorgio