Abstract
To clarify the medieval tradition of the biblical Susanna, this study explores a new kind of Lenten sermon that arose in the fourteenth century and flourished. Creatively the Franciscan Johannes Contractus expanded a mainstream exegesis, popular since apostolic times: interpreting Susanna (Dan 13) as a type of Christ. Friar Johann opened a Holy Week sermon with her words in prayer when condemned to death—Ecce morior cum nihil horum fecerim que isti maliciose composuerunt adversum me—and presented them as apt for Christ pendens in cruce. Fifty-five manuscripts from across Europe record sermons on this innovative model. An Ecce morior sermon preached at the Council of Constance (1414–1418) on Good Friday further popularized the genre. Moreover, this popular motif also migrated to other texts including liturgical plays, notably the Planctus beatae Marie virginis cum prophetis. Comparing Susanna in her character, words and actions to Christ was highly affirmative of women.
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