The story told in the first reading is sort of a morality play. Good and evil confront each other in Susanna and the two dirty elders. Goodness wins out.

The two old men threaten to bring false charges against Susanna if she rejects their unchaste importunities. The youth Daniel believes in Susanna’s virtue and saves her by his adroit cross-examination of the two old men. He proves that the accusers have perjured themselves, that Susanna is guiltless. Justice has won out. Virtue and trust in God are rewarded.

In the Gospel reading, the Pharisees refuse to accept and to believe Jesus’ teaching, even if he taught with great authority and performed many cures and miracles. Who were his witnesses? Following Mosaic Law, two witnesses were required.

Jesus argued that he had these two witnesses: he and his works witnessed to himself and so did his Father. Because of their prejudices and stubborn hearts, the Pharisees and the leaders of the Jews refused to listen to Jesus and his message.

If we are true followers of Christ, we would listen to his teaching and follow them. Do we really believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior? On whose word or testimony do we believe in him