During our Lenten journey—and especially in this time of political upheaval, war, poverty, and climate change—a central tenet that serves as a beacon of hope is true justice. The idea of justice—for both the innocent and the wicked—is explored more deeply in today’s first reading from the Book of Daniel. The passage grapples with the fragility of justice at the hands of flawed human beings and the righteousness of God’s unshakable justice through an honorable and pious intercessor.
In the story of Susanna—the image of beauty and virtue—we find a woman who is unjustly accused of adultery after rejecting the advances of two elder judges who lusted after her. The penalty for such a sin was state-sanctioned execution. The judges pervert their position of power for personal gratification, willing to sacrifice the life of an innocent woman for their own distorted manipulations. The elders represent unchecked power, a lack of accountability, and self-interest—characteristics we observe not only in our national and political spheres but also in our personal lives. Injustice begins in the heart and metastasizes into the legal framework.
Susanna’s faithfulness to God fuels her resistance to the judges’ false accusations. Her response is an act of radical courage. Facing certain death, Susanna replies with devotion: “It is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord.” Rather than conform to the unjust human ultimatum the judges impose, Susanna chooses a higher law, crying out: “O eternal God… [You] are aware of all things… You know they have testified falsely against me… though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me.” Her faith in God’s divine justice sustains her steadfast resolve.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Daniel intervenes, demands evidence for the claims, and interviews the judges separately. The elder judges perjure themselves, lying about the type of tree under which they claim the adulterous act was committed. Daniel’s actions remind us that the pursuit of justice is an active trial—one that demands discernment and a willingness to disrupt the status quo. Daniel sought the truth, even when it was inconvenient.
During Lent—and throughout the year—are we willing to be like Daniel? To speak truth with boldness and faith? To use our positions of power and privilege to enact positive change in our communities? Or will we be more like the crowd—staying silent and complicit when we see injustice happening to our neighbors? Hopefully, we do not find ourselves in the position of the judges, who actively accuse and harm others for their own self-centered desires.
This Lent, may we seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings—and also commit to transforming our lives toward the path of justice. Let us pray for the courage to disrupt misinformation and falsehoods, defend the vulnerable, and trust in God’s divine justice, which brings truth into the light.
