God is Faithful - Weekday Homily Video

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the story of three young men whom the king wanted to be burned but who were delivered from the furnace, is a story of faithfulness. These men refused to bow down and worship an idol. They were threatened with death, but they stood by their principles. As a result, God rescued them for their faithfulness.

In John’s Gospel, the scribes and the Pharisees were also faithful, but what did they receive? While the three young men were rewarded for their faithfulness, the scribes and the Pharisees were condemned for their faithfulness. What was the difference? While the three young men were faithful to God, the scribes and the Pharisees were condemned because of their rigid dedication to the letter of the law devoid of mercy and the spirit of the law.

The Fiery Furnace

We sometimes feel like we’ve been cast into the furnace like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The fiery furnace is something we all encounter in our lives—not just once, but many times.

Losing a job, becoming ill, being hurt in a broken or painful relationship, or being accused by others can all act as fiery furnaces. Demands are placed on us from every angle—kids, husbands, wives, work, parish, neighbors, and any number of others. We often desperately lack sleep, and perhaps even our nutrition and self-care suffer as well. Things can “heat up” around us to the point that we feel we haven’t a bit of strength or resolve left. Our patience, stamina, concentration, and even our holiness are tested to the extreme.

Faith in God, faith in prayer, faith in others, and faith in ourselves are all tested in this fiery furnace. At these times, the evil one pressures us the hardest to give up and give in. Like with King Nebuchadnezzar, he wants to weaken our resolve so that we turn from God and betray our faith. We may be tempted toward resentment of our loved ones; of the vows we’ve taken and the promises we’ve made. Fear can lead to doubt—in our own abilities and in God’s power. It is easy to get caught up in the flames of doubt, despair, anger, and resentment when we are at our lowest points.

Models of Faithfulness

The three young Israelites are models for us to follow. No matter what threat was flung at them, they refused to succumb to defeat and fear. The fires of the furnace couldn’t shake them, even when it had been heated to seven times its usual temperature.

These men were true to God. They did not choose to bow down to the king. Their decision was right despite the danger it posed to them. Despite all these threats and their king’s rage, they remained faithful to God.

Things got even worse for them. The king's fury changed his countenance, and the furnace heated seven times hotter. But the king, working on his basic math skills, found a problem for himself—there was an extra person in the furnace. Who was the fourth person? An angel. God walked with them in the fiery furnace, not leaving them alone.

God came through for them, and he will come through for you, as he did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In the midst of our trials or in the world to come, we have no idea how God will accomplish this through a miracle, but be sure that God is faithful, and that He will come through.

• Today’s Readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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