Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent - April 6, 2022

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Daniel3:14-20, 91-92, 95     John 8:31-42

“We will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up.” This phrase really jumped out to me in today’s first reading from the book of Daniel. What an incredible testament of faith in the true God by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Under intense pressure from the maniacal King Nebuchadnezzar, these men chose what appeared to be certain death rather than bow to a false god.

How often do I serve a golden statue or a false god established by society? With all of the distractions and customized entertainment brought forth by today’s technologies, how often do I choose a golden statue over time with the Lord in prayer or quiet?

I am also struck by the notion that, despite staring into Nebuchadnezzar’s white-hot furnace, these faithful men did not put the Lord to the test. Instead saying to their oppressor, “There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve” your false god.

Do I put God to the test? Are my prayers, those of gratitude, those of seeking the will of God, or, too often, those of putting the Lord to the test by petitioning Him for what I want?

As this passage concludes, even King Nebuchadnezzar recognizes the true God and lauds these servants who trusted in the Lord, disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies to God. May I always choose and trust our Lord over the false gods and golden statues our world so regularly presents.

Q:  Are my prayers, too often, those of bargaining with or putting God to the test?

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