The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, April 4, 2001
The Fifth Week of Lent
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 3:14-20,91-92,95
Daniel 3:52-56
John 8:31-42
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
Today's First Reading is the astonishing story of the three faithful
young Israelites who, during the Babelonian exile, were thrown into
the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. The fact that they were
unharmed by the burning flames accounts for only part of the
amazement; even the fact that in the midst of the flames there
appeared a delivering angel, isn't what inspires us the most, but
rather, the faith of the three young men did not depend on God doing
any of those miraculous things.
On hearing this story we are all given the opportunity to assess for
ourselves the basis of our faithfulness. Is it dependent on God
answering each and every one of our requests in the way we desire?
Or, like the three young men, will we be satisfied to let God be God
and intervene (or not) as He wills? Is our faithfulness dependent on
extraordinary events or do we find the extraordinary God in every
thing, every event?
Soon, this Lent, we'll be following our faithful Lord on His
heartbreaking path to Calvary. Let us do so with greater love and
sensitivity then ever before knowing that by submitting His will, He
obtained everlasting life for us. In imitation of Him and the three
young men in the fiery furnace, may we give faithful witness in the
service of the Lord we are privileged to call Father.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father infuse us with the gift of Your grace
that we might live with ever deeper faith hope and love.
We make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
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