Monday of the Fifth Week - April 7

Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62 John 8:12-20 

Repeatedly throughout today's scripture passages I kept hearing a message from God to be courageous; to be a light even in the darkness of today's world. Psalm 23 has always been one that sticks with me. Not because of its popular message, but because I read it as a child at my grandmother’s funeral. While trying to ignore my racing heart, I stood at the front of a crowded room and read “the Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” It is a set of verses I've had memorized for over twenty years. I’ve always been comforted by this Psalm because it serves as a reminder that once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are never alone. However, the thing that really stuck out to me this time was with God’s “rod and staff” we gain courage in the darkness. 

Similarly, in the first reading Susanna showed immense faith and courage when she told the two evil elders that “it is better for me to fall into your power with guilt than to sin before the Lord.” She was facing a complete lose-lose situation: agree to her own sexual assault or face death for the lie they would spread about her. She knew everyone would believe the wise old judges over a woman. Susanna’s immense trust in God led her to make the brave decision. Even when everyone around her turned away from God she stood steadfast in her faith doing what God taught her to be right. 

This lent season I want to pray for fortitude and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Just as Daniel was led by the Holy Spirit to defend Susanna, I want to practice fortitude and stand up for those that are unfairly persecuted by those abusing their authority. Jesus tells us in John chapter 8 that He is the light of the world and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness. It is hard to feel like you’re all alone in the dark. It is hard to speak out against the majority. I want to continue growing my faith so that I can hopefully continue to spread the light of Jesus to others. 

Q: For whom am I feeling called to stand up and defend? What practical way can I bring a little Light into their darkness?

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