DAILY REFLECTION

Liturgical readings are available here.

The reading from the Book of Daniel reports a story about three men in fiery furnace and it shows the importance of true freedom. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are challenged to worship the statue set up by the king, but they prefer freedom granted by God over freedom granted by the king.

Their hands remain bound, but their spirit is free: There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! They do not know God’s plan in detail and it is not their task to defend God. He is strong enough to defend himself. They are called to believe, even when the evidence testifies to the contrary.

Do we remain faithful to God, even if our hands are bound by external circumstances and restrictions? Do I have my inner freedom and sense of belonging to God, no matter what happens externally?