Today's readings: April 1, 2009
Reading One: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95;
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 ;
Gospel: Jn 8:31-42;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
The story offered in today's first reading and psalm will always be special to me, because of my experience teaching confirmation to wonderful group of children. We were asked to come up with a name for our group, and we chose Azariah's prayer. Now the three guys in the story - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were each given new names when they were captives in Babylon. Abednego is also named Azariah, so relax - if you knew the story, you would know that. And in the same way - each child in confirmation is given a new name, one they chose which is also their patron Saint. For me - my new name became Joseph. I picked St. Joseph because he was very wise, yet humble. He has no speaking part in the bible. I needed to learn this virtue, humility - and I certainly knew that all too well, but I digress. The story of Azariah's prayer is what I want to think about today.
These three gents are about to tossed into a raging fire. The fire is so hot - it burned up the soldier who was stoking the fire. HOT! They are about to die a terrible and frightening death. And instead of serving a false God, they do not relent, and choose being burned alive as opposed to bowing down before the king of this world - who was King Nebuchadnezzar, back in the day. Well, poor King Nebuchadnezzar is really really!!! mad at this - because he is so certain he is of his own greatness, and as such, orders everyone to bow down before his statue when the trumpet blows. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to do so.
Azariah offers such a beautiful prayer - first acknowledging his own foolishness, and apologizing to God for being an unworthy servant. He says - if God decides to let us burn alive, it is because we deserve it, due to our own sinfulness. But God is great and can do anything, and in all humility - Azariah asks God, if it is His will - to let them not burn alive. But God does is right. Let His will be done. God the Father hears Azariah's sweet prayer, and they see four men, not three in the fire. The fourth man, is called the Son of God in the story, a name that Jesus will be known by - hundreds of years later. The fourth person in the fire is also called an angel. Who is it? How am I supposed to know, I only know, or believe, that God came to their rescue, just as Jesus comes to our rescue. And they emerge from the fire, totally fine. They don't even smell like smoke. And when they are in the fire, they are seen to be dancing in delight. Having a great time in the land of Babylon as the song goes (see below).
The Gospel features Jesus telling the people - the Truth, the way it is, like it or not. If you loved the Father, you would not be trying to kill Jesus. You would hear His words, and know indeed that He comes with a message of love from God the Father. The reason they want to kill him - is because the words Jesus speaks shine a light on their own shame and sins. They hate their sinfulness, just as we all should should. The problem is - they blame Jesus for shining a light on this truth, instead of following the path and prayer of Azariah. All of us are given the same choice. And, judging from my own experiences - we will all be tossed into a fire of some kind during the course of life. My prayer today - is that people choose the prayer of Azariah, and not to bow down to the king of this world below. Jesus saves you from the fire - the king of this world is the one who throws you into it.
Years ago - a song was recorded in Charlotte, NC by The Golden Gate Quartet - at a small recording studio at Sharon Rd and Providence Rd, which is now Hotel Charlotte, a bar. I thought you might enjoy it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
