The Hypocritical Judges who Plotted Susanah´s Death are Still Among Us

I have heard the story of Susanah in the Book of Daniel many times but I was struck by its symbolism and topicality when the reading was made at mass on March 24.

The story is well known. Two lecherous old men who have recently been appointed judges lust after the young woman Susanah. They hide in the bushes and watch her take a bath then approach her and try to have sex with her but she spurns their advances. They then concoct a story that she is an adulteress and she is sentenced to death by an assembly that believes their lies. Fortunately, the young Daniel sees straight through their story, unmasks them in front of the assembly and it is they who are in fact put to death.

When I read this I immediately transferred the episode to present-day Brazil where I live and saw in Susanah a representative of the Brazilian people who have been abused  and exploited by two-faced judges only interested in their own pleasure. Like the United States, Brazil has a Supreme Court which is the guardian of the Constitution and is supposed to be the guided by honesty, impartiality and the public interest. The current Supreme Court in Brazil is the opposite and consists of 12 members, all political appointees, many of whom do not have the expertise or experience for such a position. Scandals are run of the mill in Brazilian politics and the Supreme Court is active in every corner of society. Some critics, with good reason, accuse it of routinely overruling the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

The latest major scandal involves a banker accused of corrupting politicians from all parties and is in the hands of this Court. The media has revealed that two of the judges – who could easily play parts in the tale of Susanah – have personal and business links with this banker. Yet instead of doing the honorable thing and resigning in shame they are clinging onto their positions and accusing everyone else – the press in particular - knowing that they are unlikely to lose their privileged lifestyles. The only way these judges can be removed is if they are impeached by Congress but as so many politicians are also involved in the scandal this is a non starter.

Unfortunately unlike Susanah who was mercifully saved at the last moment Brazil does not have a Daniel to step in and rescue her.

It may seem an exaggeration to compare corrupt judges today with those who tried to kill an innocent young woman but by abetting and indulging in corruption these Brazilian judges are diverting taxpayers´ resources from areas like health, security and education. Less money for health and security endangers lives and leads to deaths while denying resources to education condemns generations to a future without hope.

A parishioner of my church who is more inclined towards forgiveness than I am and more in touch with the message of Lent said, “May Our Lord touch the hearts of the court and change their course so they do not meet the same fate as those who plotted against Susanna. There is still time.”

Beautiful words which I hope Our Lord hears.

 © John Brander Fitzpatrick 2026