Readings
I - Dan. 3: 14-20, 24, 91-92, 95
II - Jn. 8: 31-42
FOLLOW THE LORD WITH CONVICTION
According to the first reading, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were brought before the king for trial because they did not worship the golden statue set up by the king. Nebuchadnezzar, the king who sentenced them to be thrown into the blazing furnace said, “Who is the God that will deliver you out of my hands?” To such a challenging question of the king the three holy men replied with a resolute determination, "If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of you hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not be it know to your king that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set us”. The infuriated king commanded them to be thrown into the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary. Finally God did save them in the blazing furnace.
The three men worshiped the Lord their God with great conviction that He alone was their God and to Him alone belongs all worship, adoration, glory, honour and power. They were ready to give up their life in the furnace than to bow down before an idol! They had tremendous trust in the Lord but never did they take up the challenge of Nebuchadnezzar to test the saving power of the Lord their God. In this light let us examine our lives. So many Christians today conceal their identity for a reward, favour, benefit and for the pleasures of the world. Easily give up Christ our Saviour for the sake of persons, fear of persecution and social acceptance.
Task: Today take some time to sit quietly and contemplate the scene of the first reading, put ourselves in the place of the three holy men, observe our emotions, reactions and response and self-examine our faith and trust in the Lord.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept and worship you with courage and conviction”.
