“Today’s readings confront us with two powerful scenes: the story of Susanna in the Book of Daniel, and the woman caught in adultery in the Gospel of John.
At first glance, both are about sin and accusation. But more deeply, both are about truth, justice, and mercy—and our role as ministers in the midst of these.
The Danger of Becoming False Judges
In the first reading, the elders were supposed to be judges—men of authority, wisdom, and religious leadership.
But instead of protecting Susanna, they used their position to accuse, manipulate, and condemn.
This is a frightening mirror for us.
Because like them, we are also entrusted with authority—not civil authority, but spiritual authority.
People come to us for confession, for guidance, for discernment, and for decisions that affect their lives and the danger is real: that instead of becoming instruments of truth, we may slowly become harsh judges… or worse, unjust ones.
And today, I want to name something very concrete that feeds this danger: clericalism and entitlement.
Clericalism makes us think:
- “I am above others.”
- “I should be treated differently.”
- “My word should not be questioned.”
Entitlement whispers:
- “I deserve special treatment.”
- “People should serve me.”
- “I should be prioritized because I am a priest.”
My dear brothers, this is not the Gospel. And this is not the priesthood of Jesus.
Because the moment we begin to feel entitled, we stop being servants… and we begin to act like masters.
And when that happens, we risk becoming like the elders in Daniel—using authority not to protect, but to dominate.
Clericalism is not only a structural issue. It is a spiritual disease of the heart. And Lent is the time to confront it.
Jesus: Authority that Bows Down
In the Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery. They stand. They accuse. They point fingers.
But Jesus does something striking. He bends down. The only one who had the right to condemn…chooses humility.
And then He says: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”
One by one, they walk away.
My dear brothers, this is the authority of Jesus: not loud, not oppressive, not self-serving. It is an authority that stoops down, listens, and saves.
This is the antidote to clericalism: humility.
If we do not learn to bend down, we will always be tempted to look down on others.
Our Calling: Not to Condemn, but to Raise Up
After everyone leaves, Jesus tells the woman: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
No condemnation—yet no compromise.
This is the heart of our priesthood.
We are not called to throw stones nor to demand to be served.
We are called to serve and to raise people up.
My dear brother priests: If people are afraid of us, if they feel small in our presence, if they experience distance instead of closeness—then something is wrong.
Because a priest is not meant to be someone people fear, but someone people can approach.
Not someone who demands privilege, but someone who offers presence.
A Lenten Appeal: From Entitlement to Service
This Lent, I make a simple but urgent appeal to all of us: Let us renounce clericalism. Let us examine any sense of entitlement in our hearts.
Let us return to the image of Christ, who washed feet, who welcomed sinners, who carried the cross.
The credibility of our priesthood today depends not on our titles, not on our authority, but on our humility and authenticity.”