I was at a luncheon with a Catholic author and writer, a woman who spoke of interviewing a prominent American actor. The actor is host of a television documentary about world religions. He professed no particular religious affiliation but was impressed with the questions posed by the Catholic interviewer and he asked her a question. "Why did God make women so good?"
In the Scripture reading from The Book of Daniel we met one of those good women in the person of Susanna; a gracious, beautiful woman, schooled by her parents according to the laws of Moses. She was accused of a wrongdoing by two evil elders, judges appointed to govern people. Fortunately, God stirred the holy spirit of a young boy, Daniel, who came to her defense, and she was believed, and the judges condemned. Susanna was the embodiment of good and the corrupt judges were the embodiment of evil. This struggle is playing out all over the world and the war between Russia and the Ukraine reflects this struggle.
In an address that Pope Francis delivered this past Saturday in Malta he spoke of a potentate who was forming conflict for internal interests. The judges were doing the same. The Holy Father went on to say, “let us not allow the dream of peace to fade.” He offered that there seems to be a fading enthusiasm for peace. Certainly not among the Daniels of our world who continue to be stirred by the Holy Spirit and defend the dignity of the human person.
In the Scriptures throughout Lent God spoke words of compassion to a people who had endured so much pain and hardship during their march from slavery to the Promised Land. God spoke of doing something new, providing them with life giving water during their passage over dry land.
It could appear to some that we are passing over dry land now and that the forces of evil are seeking to block our advance. Jesus assured us in John’s gospel that He is the light of the world, whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
As for the observation of the prominent actor who asked why God made women so good, the truth is that God has made all of us good; His Light was entrusted to every baptized Christian.
Like the young Daniel, may we also stand up and speak up for justice so that peace not fade from the face of our earth. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us.
