Testify to the Truth
Today’s readings deal with the literal trial by fire of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the figurative trial by fire of Jesus. All of these men were willing to pay the ultimate price in order to testify to the Truth. Of course we know that God is the Truth, and so if we want to speak the truth, we must speak of God. Sometimes we will be put to the test for our witness.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were given the order to worship the idols of King Nebuchadnezzar. If they refused, they would be cast into a “white-hot furnace”. Of course they chose to remain loyal to God, the Almighty, and they were thrown into the furnace. This story is one of bravery and unyielding faith. These men were faithful even unto death. In reality, they did exactly what we should all do, because to deny God is to die an even more gruesome death; a death of the soul. No matter how severe, the pain of this world is merely a drop in the ocean of the eternal despair that burns the soul when we turn away from God. If only everyone could recognize this, we would all endure the most painful trials in order to proclaim the truth!
In the Gospel, Jesus is again witnessing to the truth, and the Jews are trying to kill Him. We see the pattern of the last few readings continued here. The self-righteous are trying to kill Jesus because He proclaims the truth of His divinity. They do not believe Him, saying that they are descendants of Abraham. Jesus tells them that if they followed the example of Abraham, they would not be trying to kill Him. Furthermore, they are living in sin. Of course, no one wants to hear that they are sinful, so they become even more determined to kill Him.
These readings bring us a message of courage. We must bear all burdens in giving witness to the truth. There is no sacrifice too great for the glory of God. Though most of us will never be put to the test like the three men in the first reading, we should all be prepared to love God even to the ending of our lives. We are called to give glory to God no matter what the price.
