Readings
I - Dan. 3: 14-20, 24, 91-92, 95
II - Jn. 8: 31-42
ACCEPT THE TRUTH WITH CONVICTION
In the first reading, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the faithful people of God were brought before the king for trial because they did not worship the golden statue set up by the king. Nebuchadnezzar, the king commanded 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 threw them into the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary. Finally God did save them in the blazing furnace.
The three men worshipped 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 even 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. 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. Be convinced in faith to accept the truth that Jesus is the Messiah unlike the Pharisees who wilfully neglected the truth. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to accept and worship you with courage and conviction”.
