Welcoming & Embracing the Stranger: Lenten Reflections with the Artwork of James Tissot

March 23, 2026 - Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

In the first reading, we read the account of a faith-filled woman, Susanna, wrongly accused of adultery by her elders and peers. In the midst of her suffering, her feeling of powerlessness, and certainly expecting to be put to death, we see Susanna’s wholehearted trust and hope in the Lord through her heart’s request: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be…”

  The Lord hears and answers her cry through the aid of a young boy, Daniel, saving the innocent Susanna from being put to death.  

Continuing in the Gospel, we read of the moment where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery, with a hostile crowd ready to condemn and stone her to death. Jesus saves this woman from death, extending His mercy and inviting her into a deeper conversion of heart: “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” 

As we continue our Lenten journey with our Lord, we are invited to return to Him with our whole hearts, wherever we find ourselves. It is through our walk of faith and active relationship with God that we can first cry out to the Lord, in times of trial or rejoicing, in every season of our lives, and be met with Jesus’ mercy as well as His call to ongoing conversion. As the psalm reminds us: Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you are at my side.  

Our hearts are secure, resting in the care and presence of the God who willed each one of us into being. As we experience interior transformation through the fire of Christ’s love, we become increasingly able to extend His love and mercy to every person we encounter. Through cooperation with God’s grace and docility to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, we each are invited to respond to the Lord’s call to receive in love the person before us and welcome them into the body of Christ.  

O God, by whose wondrous grace we are enriched with every blessing, grant us so to pass from former ways to newness of life, that we may be made ready for the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Roman Missal)

Ireland Bohnart, SPO Team Leader

While not directly employed by Seton Hall University, our missionaries serve as an integral part of our Discipleship Team. FOCUS and St. Paul's Outreach (SPO) missionaries live and serve with us here at Seton Hall. 

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