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March 20, 2024More than likely, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego were terrified. King Nebuchadnezzar had given them a clear ultimatum: bow down before the idol, or be cast into the fiery furnace. They boldly proclaim: “If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up."
In the midst of their fear, the Lord filled them with fortitude and the grace to hold steadfast to their faith in Him. Not only did He grant them supernatural courage, He sent His angel to accompany them. Together in the furnace, the four created beings expressed love and praise for the Creator. These words, this beautiful canticle found in Daniel 3:52-90, echo even into our own time in the Liturgy of the Hours.
In the verse before the Gospel, we encounter a paraphrasing of Luke 8:15, which is the explanation of the parable of the sower: “Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.” May the example of the three young men and the promise of Christ inspire us and challenge us to a deeper and richer commitment to persevere in the life of faith – even when that commitment comes at a great personal cost. May we ever trust that He will grant us the graces we need to not only remain faithful but to win the hearts of those who witness our boldness.
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