Today’s first reading from the Old Testament is the story of Susanna and the Judgment of Daniel. Susanna, a beautiful and pious woman, is falsely accused and sentenced to death by religious elders. She is convicted by their fictional story of having lain with a man other than her husband. We readers know the truth - that the elders lusted after her and sought an opportunity to be with her, and when she refused them, they sought their revenge by ruining her reputation and seeking to take her life.

We read in suspense the details of the trial, alarmed that the testimony of the powerful and prestigious men carries more weight than the truth that Susanna speaks. Susanna cries out to God. Can she be saved? Then we read: God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel.

Daniel objects to the proceedings, calling for evidence, and he proceeds to question the men about the details of their accusation… and their own words condemn them because their stores do not match.

Today’s Gospel passage follows the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery. It begins with Jesus’ declaration: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The Pharisees contest this claim and Jesus responds: my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. These are the words that leapt off the page for me.

Lent is a time to remember where we come from and where we are going, especially in these days leading up to Jesus’ arrest, passion and death.  Jesus knew where he came from and where he was going, as did Susanna; as did Daniel. We live in the light of Christ when we remember this. When we know who we are, where we come from and where we are going, God can stir up our holy spirits, just as Daniel’s was stirred. And the light of Christ reveals the truth.

We recall times when we have been unjustly accused, or times we have wrongly judged others. We bring these memories to the light of Christ, that we may see clearly; that we may remember where we come from, and where we are going.