The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today highlight two areas we need to explore on our spiritual journey: our trust in Providence and the sincerity of our actions as disciples of Christ.
The reading from the Book of Daniel relates the story of Nebuchadnezzar and the fiery furnace into which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown.
* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures. (Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)
The response from the Book of Daniel is the prayer of Azariah in the fire. (Abednego).
In the Gospel of John, the relationship between Jesus and Abraham is developed.
* [8:31–59] Jesus’ origin (“before Abraham”) and destiny are developed; the truth will free them from sin (Jn 8:34) and death (Jn 8:51).
* [8:31] Those Jews who believed in him: a rough editorial suture, since in Jn 8:37 they are described as trying to kill Jesus.
* [8:33] Have never been enslaved to anyone: since, historically, the Jews were enslaved almost continuously, this verse is probably Johannine irony, about slavery to sin.
* [8:35] A slave…a son: an allusion to Ishmael and Isaac (Gn 16; 21), or to the release of a slave after six years (Ex 21:2; Dt 15:12).
* [8:38] The Father: i.e., God. It is also possible, however, to understand the second part of the verse as a sarcastic reference to descent of the Jews from the devil (Jn 8:44), “You do what you have heard from [your] father.”
* [8:39] The works of Abraham: Abraham believed; cf. Rom 4:11–17; Jas 2:21–23. (John, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)
Gladyce Janky hears Jesus imploring his audience to release their preconceived understanding with two statements. First, Jesus says everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin, and second, he invites them to see him as the Son, sharing the Father’s Word.
I can look at this reading and wonder why it was so difficult for the Jews to see Jesus and accept his invitation to be forgiven and granted true freedom. But I, too, can fall into a similar trap, stuck in my vision of how the world should be, which then blinds me to see and hear how God never ceases to transform and gently invite all of creation into a deeper relationship with Him. I can be more attentive to God’s presence through the daily Examen prayer. I can ask for the grace of an open mind and heart. I can seek to quiet my inner voice, make room for His Word, and be more attentive to how God chooses to show up rather than blinded by how I think He should show up.
Reflection for today: How did I make room within myself today for God, and in doing so, how did God surprise me today? (Janky, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The upright of heart,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Do you know who the upright of heart are? They are those who wish what God wishes. Therefore, do not try to twist God's will to you own but correct your will to that of God. The will of God is a rule of conduct. By it you have the means of being converted and of correcting your evil ways." (excerpt from Commentary on Psalm 93,18) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 8:31-42 comments that like the Jews in today’s Gospel reading, we don’t always understand what is enslaving us. Maybe anger is so deeply buried in our heart that it clouds our relationships and our outlook on life. Maybe we are bound by an excessive attachment to food, alcohol, or drugs. Activities like watching television, shopping, or surfing the internet may be taking up too much of our time and energy. Jesus doesn’t want anything to control us. He is more than capable of satisfying our deepest needs. Jesus has set us free!
Today, take steps to lay hold of the freedom that Jesus has won for you. Let his promises in today’s Gospel give you hope. Read them over and over again, and let them sink deeply into your soul. Then ask the Lord to help you detect anything that is binding you up. Finally, exercise your faith by asking Jesus to free you. Be bold and persistent! You may even want to ask some trusted friends to pray with you. Remember: Jesus loves you so much that he laid down his life for you. He wants nothing less than for you to walk in his freedom, each and every day of your life.
“Jesus, open my eyes to the things that bind me. Give me the faith and the courage to taste the freedom you have won for me.” (Meditation on John 8:31-42, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that the story of the three men set in Babylon at the time of Nebuchadnezzar was written during the Macabee persecution by the Seleucid Empire. The feet of the Son of Man are solid, not like the statue described in the Book of Daniel. Friar Jude reminds us of the choice presented in the dualistic Gospel of John between being true children of Abraham or heirs of the evil one.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes that Theologian Howard Thurman (1899–1981) believed that cultivating inner stillness allows us to experience the divine. Lerita Coleman Brown finds in Thurman’s writings an invitation to be open to the possibility of everyday mysticism for all.
Everyday mystics are people who commune with the presence of God, receive guidance through prophetic visions, voices, and dreams, and commit themselves to living for God rather than solely for themselves. Their vision for life is larger and more expansive, knowing that they are alive for a reason, a purpose that will benefit human spirits they may never meet. Thurman lived out an identity grounded in mysticism, as he regularly felt oneness with God and on occasion experienced visions. He also believed that mystical moments should stir people toward love, community, and social action. (Rohr, n.d.)
We wonder if the depth of our trust in God is as deep as the three men in the furnace and we are challenged by Jesus' accusation that our spiritual focus may need adjustment.
References
Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3?14
Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/032024.html
John, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/8?31
Meditation on John 8:31-42. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/03/20/916477/
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Alive for a Reason. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/alive-for-a-reason/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Truth Will Make You Free. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=mar20
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