Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67; Luke 21:12-19
Summary
Today’s gospel portion is about The Coming Persecution. It was written post-destruction of the Temple and after the first waves of antagonism against the Christian sect within the Jewish community and then later by the Roman authorities. The purpose is to calm our fears, remind us that we will survive the abuses, reassure us we should trust that the Lord will aid us in difficult times and, most importantly, to reorient our attention to the deepest truth – God loves us.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives (Lk 21:19).
Reflection
The salvation of souls requires a confident heart that acts and speaks with truth. It will lead to your giving testimony (Lk 21:13). If we allow the Spirit of God to speak through our works and voice, we can be confident that the divine purpose of reconciliation is given power to convert souls.
Do you see the pattern yet?
- All week this week the first reading is from the Book of Daniel recalls the conflict between human kings and the Lord (human kings vs. divine sovereignty).
- All week this week the psalm reading is also from the Book of Daniel which presents the various praise prayers in the midst of difficulty: the Prayer of Azariah.
From the furnace: Then these three in the furnace with one voice sang, glorifying and blessing God (Dan 3:51ff). All week we sing praise of the Lord regardless of the difficulties of our days.
Daniel shows us not only the trial, but the fruit of fidelity.
Outcomes
Then Nebuchadnezzar came to the opening of the white-hot furnace and called: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out.” Thereupon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. When the satraps, prefects, governors, and counselors of the king came together, they saw that the fire had had no power over the bodies of these men; not a hair of their heads had been singed, nor were their garments altered; there was not even a smell of fire about them. Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants that trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God (Dan 3:93-95).
Personal Reflection
When we are in love with the Lord, speaking of that love (praising the Lord as we would praise a spouse or beloved parent) brings conversion of souls and the essential message of divine love for all. Love, then act. Love and praise. Love — and others will discover love through you.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry