First Reading
Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 (Longer Form)
In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim, who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna. Joakim was very rich and respected. That year, two elders were appointed judges, but they began to lust for Susanna. One day, while she was bathing in the garden, they cornered her and threatened to frame her for adultery unless she lay with them. Susanna refused, choosing to fall into their power without guilt rather than sin before the Lord.
The elders testified falsely against her, and the assembly condemned her to death. But as she was being led to execution, God stirred up the spirit of a young boy named Daniel. He halted the proceedings, rebuking the people for condemning a daughter of Israel without clear evidence.
Daniel examined the two elders separately. When asked under what tree the crime occurred, the first said a mastic tree, and the second said an oak. Their lies exposed, the assembly realized they had committed perjury. According to the law of Moses, the elders were put to death, and innocent blood was spared that day.
This is the word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (4ab) Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
2. He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff that give me courage.
R. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
3. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
R. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
4. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
R. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
Verse Before the Gospel
Ezekiel 33:11 I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live.
Gospel
John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, but early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him.
Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. When they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
In response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. Jesus was left alone with the woman. He straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.