We believe that human life is sacred because God is the Creator of all human beings.
But not everyone has that same belief. The value of life can depend on the intentions and motives.
For some, life is cheap and the loss of lives is just a digit.
For some, life is to be exploited and there is no regard to the dignity of human life.
For some, life can be snuffed out easily as in a killing or an execution, whatever the reason may be.
In both the readings, the lives of two women were at stake because of an ulterior motive and and an evil intention.
In the 1st reading, Susanna was about to be condemned to death, although she was innocent, but the prophet Daniel came to her rescue.
In the gospel, the woman caught in committing adultery was brought before Jesus to make Him pronounce a judgement so that the scribes and the Pharisees can trap Him.
But in the end, both lives were spared, because God's justice and mercy prevailed.
May we also see each person as created in the image of God.
May we also act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with those who have done wrong in life, for there will also come a time when we will be in need of justice and mercy.