Jesus is teaching in the temple and being misunderstood once again by the Jews. What he says is for us as much as for them and so we believe him when he says, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
According to the Oxford Dictionary, “remain” means to “continue to exist, especially after other similar or related people or things have ceased to exist.” The thought of continuing to exist in Jesus’ word is rich with the substance of what that “word” recalls. We remain in the world which was created by the Word of God, “God said” and the universe came into being. We remain in Christ, the Word Incarnate, by the gift of his Most Precious Body and Blood. We remain in the word also by reading, praying, and studying Sacred Scripture. How could we not contemplate the “word” and find yet another reason to give God glory and praise!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew God and served Him only. They were not concerned for the outcome of their own physical bodies, trusting that God would save them from the furnace if that is what He wanted. What we learn from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is to give God glory and praise in all situations. If we find ourselves growing weary in this Lenten season or the everyday challenges of life, rather than being discouraged we can praise God! In this way, we “remain in the word” and the blessed assurance of knowing the freedom of truth.