Today’s readings place before us two women standing in the middle of a crowd. In Susanna’s story in the Book of Daniel, two elders—men entrusted with authority and justice—allow lust and power to corrupt their conscience. They manipulate the legal system and public opinion to condemn an innocent woman. Yet Susanna refuses to compromise her integrity. “It is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord.” Her courage is quiet but profound. She entrusts herself to God, and in time, God raises an unexpected voice—young Daniel—to reveal the truth.
The Gospel of John presents a similar scene. An unnamed woman caught in adultery is dragged before Jesus. Again, the crowd is ready to condemn. But this time, Jesus shifts the focus. Instead of examining the woman’s sin alone, he invites everyone to examine their own hearts: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the accusers leave. The crowd dissolves when confronted with the truth.
Both instances become mirrors through which we see the human heart: not only its capacity to stand with the crowd, to overshadow truth with power, and to support injustice, but also its capacity for mercy. In many places today—where those with authority distort the truth to protect themselves, and misinformation spreads faster than justice—how familiar these two events sound in our world. Too often, we stand comfortably among the crowd, quick to judge, slow to reflect. We throw stones with our words, our assumptions, our silence in the face of injustice. In a world filled with public accusations, political polarization, wars, and deep divisions—where people are judged instantly in the courts of social media and public opinion, and the temptation to condemn is strong and convenient— Jesus bends down and writes on the ground, almost giving humanity a moment to pause, breathe, and look inward.
Lent invites us precisely into this space of examination. It reminds us not only of “giving things up” but also of “loving the way Jesus does” because justice without mercy becomes cruelty, and truth without humility becomes arrogance.
Hence, let’s ask ourselves,
1. When have I stood among the crowd, quick to judge others without examining my own conscience?
2. In moments of injustice or false accusation in the world around me, do I remain silent, or do I dare to be a voice like Daniel?
3. During this Lenten journey, what “stones” of judgment, resentment, or pride is Christ inviting me to drop so that mercy may take their place?
Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest and educator from the island nation of Sri Lanka, historically known as Serendib or Ceylon. I have been blessed to receive Jesuit formation and higher education across Asia, Europe, and America. Most recently, I earned my Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership in Education (Ed.D.) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, where my dissertation explored global citizenship through the lens of undergraduates’ study-abroad experiences. Deeply convinced of the power of positive narratives that education can create, I believe it holds the key to addressing the ‘care-crises’ that weigh upon humanity and our shared ‘common home,’ while also emancipating individuals and communities. In addition to serving as an online faculty member with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL)—Jesuit Higher Education in the Margins— to students in Africa and the Middle East, I am currently assigned to Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Determined to make a distinctive, active, and intellectually grounded contribution through Jesuit higher education, I am deeply passionate about reading, writing, and teaching on global citizenship, interdisciplinary leadership, and justice and peacebuilding. In this spirit, I hold close the words of Helen Steiner Rice: “Life is a fabric, weave it with tender care; Upon the loom of life, your pattern is rare.” While I cherish the uniqueness that defines my own life and journey, I am equally committed and eager to recognizing, celebrating, and defending the uniqueness of others—believing that true beauty is revealed where there is unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.
Keep smiling—because God loves you always! I mean, ALWAYS!
