We read about the experience of Susanna in the first reading of today's mass on Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent. She was unjustly accused of the grave sin of adultery and infidelity. Two elders had prurient desires for her. They made their move, threatening her, falsely accusing her of having a tryst with a young man. She instead wanted to fall into the complication of being accused falsely. She screamed, and the two men screamed as well, claiming they witnessed her sin. Furthermore, she was condemned to death, but God heard the prayers of those who pitied Susanna. Daniel was roused to protest the unjust sentence. He had the two criminals separated and questioned them individually, and he asked them under what tree they saw the claimed crime. They gave different answer and their false testimony was discovered. The two men ended up being killed. This case contrasts with the case of Jesus Christ, who was also accused falsely. Jesus was condemned, and they succeeded in eliminating Him via a crucifixion. But Jesus' death, even when it was a terrible evil, produced so much good because we were saved from our sins. God is so powerful that with evil from the bad use of human freedom, He is able to get good.
