Reflection for 29th March 2023

1st Reading: Dan 3:14-20, 24-25, 28 

Gospel: John 8:31-42

Dear friends, in today’s Gospel passage Jesus is sincere with us. He says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). It is then clear that freedom is something that God always intended for us. In fact, he gave us the faculties of intellect, emotion, and will so that we could freely decide how we would live. God’s intention was that we would use our freedom to turn to him and receive His life within us. We are then invited to deeply examine ourselves on the matters of truth. How are we really truthful with ourselves on our daily endeavors? If we were to give accounts of our undertakings, is it something that we would be proud of?

The first reading presents clearly what truth would mean for us. I am indeed inspired by the opening of the passage. “Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve the gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up?” (Dan 3:14). “Is it true?” Here the king acts prudently. To his credit, Nebuchadnezzar did not accept the accusation on hearsay. He made sure of it with a personal interview. This was an even greater test for Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego. It is one thing to make a stand for God. It is a greater thing to stick to ones stand when asked “Is it true?” It is a moment for us to recall the occasions that we accused others falsely, or others were accused falsely to us and we believed the message. This reminded me of a friend of mine who resolved never to listen to gossips, but to call the party involved together with the accused and sort out the matter. There are many who have suffered due to false accusations and others because of the truth. On which side am I?

It is interesting to note that these three young men were very categorical in their reply irrespective of the threat and the danger that awaited them in making a contrary choice. They say, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us … let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up” (Dan 3:16-18). Through this, some few elements vividly come out. They had no need to defend themselves. Their guilt in the matter was clear, they clearly would not bow down to this image. In fact, they knew that God was able to save them from both the burning fiery furnace and from the hand of Nebuchadnezzar himself. They knew God’s power, but they also knew that they must do what was right even if God did not do what they expect or hope Him to do.

We often complain about our rights and what is fair. Often it is better to make a stand and endure our difficulty, leaving our fate in God’s hands. They did not doubt God’s ability, but neither did they presume to know God’s will. To you glory and praise forevermore are the words of the Responsorial Psalm this morning in the praise of God.

Ooko Thomas

III Year Theology