Gardens of Trial: From Eden to Daniel’s Vindication of Susanna The Homily explores the theme of testimony and witness in Scripture, . . . . . . particularly focusing on the story of Susanna from the Book of Daniel and its parallels to other biblical narratives. The homily highlights that to “testify” means to bear witness, often in challenging situations. It draws comparisons between Susanna’s trial in the garden and the story of Adam and Eve, illustrating how gardens in Scripture symbolize both innocence and testing. The Homily also explains how this impacts our own Spiritual Journey. Susanna faces the corrupt testimony of two elders, paralleling Satan’s deceit in Eden. Despite being threatened, she chooses faithfulness over survival, trusting in God’s justice rather than succumbing to sin. Daniel’s intervention represents the arrival of new wisdom and God’s vindication of the righteous. The reflection challenges believers to resist compromise, remain faithful even in exile (spiritual or physical), and to discern truth beyond appearances. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Gardens of Trial: From Eden to Daniel’s Vindication of Susanna ------------------------------------------------- image: Daniel Saving Susanna: French Artist and Painter: François Pascal Simon Gérard: 1770-1837 ------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading John 8: 12-20 First Reading Daniel 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62