
Old Testament Daniel 3: 14-20, 24-25,28
New Testament: John 8:31-42
Today's readings challenges us in that we have to choose between immediate feelings vs future rewards. Today's OT story is about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace. They were challenged to forsake God in order to live. They trusted in God and willingly accepted death rather than revoke God. What a strong example this gives us...especially with today's expectation of receiving everything immediately...we could say that we are living in the immediate satisfaction age. The OT reading really fits well with the NT Gospel reading. Here we have Jesus explaining that those who believe and follow him will not be slaves. That is slaves to sin. When we trust in Jesus, we come to realize that our life is now part of eternal life. Our eyes are opened and we see that this mortal life needs to be managed and guided with the eyes set on life with God...we, ourselves, should strive to live in communion with God as well as work on guiding others to be in communion with God as well. What freedom this brings to the heart...as well as a challenge to the mind!