Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
The Rites of Christian Initiation (Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirnation administered to adults during Easter vigil) entitle Lent as “The Period of Purification and Enlightenment.” This whole season has included ritual possibilities for our candidates and catechumens to be purified. The Lenten season is of course full of opportunities for all Christians to grow away from sin and become more faithful to the gospel. For any of us who have been trying to stay true to our Lenten sacrifices, we know that when faced with giving into temptation, some days are better than others. Sometimes the stress of the day can push us in directions that lead us away from God. Purification occurs when we stay true to our faith commitments. Although purification is at times painful, its process often leaves us healthier and holier. What is not always clear at the beginning of the process is what will be the end results?
Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know exactly what would happen if they stood firm in their belief of the God of Israel? On one level, their answer is one of certainty. “We will not serve your God or worship the golden statue which you have set up.”(Dn 3:18 b,c). On another level, it was a radical act of faith. It was radical in that they stayed true to what they believed, even if that meant they might lose their lives. They gave themselves completely over to God’s will. How often do we give ourselves over to God that completely? The irony of this reading is that the real purification occurred to the people standing outside the furnace. This illustrates that the Lord’s process of changing hearts often happens in ways unexpected.
In today’s gospel, it is Jesus who is standing firm in his beliefs like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The disciples, who believed in Jesus, argued with his understanding of God’s word. Jesus’ purpose was to challenge the disciples to allow their hearts to be purified. For Jesus, they need to let his “word” have a place inside their hearts. The entrenchment of the disciples was becoming a roadblock to their own spiritual growth. How does our own view of how God moves and has meaning in the world block our own spiritual growth? The process of being purified means allowing God to change us and our world view if we are to participate fully in God’s redemptive love.
Lord, help us to be like Nebuchadnezzar at the end of today’s reading from Daniel. Open our eyes and hearts so that we might recognize the ways you are trying to purify us as disciples. In this way, on the day we are called upon, have us be ready to give ourselves completely to Your Son, who lives and reigns with You, one God forever and ever. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery