Dad: "Kids, it’s time for bed."
Kids: "Throw us in bed! Dad, throw us in bed!" (Dad picks a kid up in his arms.)
Dad: "Did I ever tell you about the three men in the book of Daniel who were thrown into the fiery furnace?"
Kids: "No!"
Dad: "Their names were... Shadrach... Meshach... and ToBedYouGo!"
We can sometimes feel as if we too have been cast into the furnace; just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The fiery furnace is something we all come across 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.
To Not Lose Faith
At these times, the evil one pressures us the hardest to give up and give in. Like 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 abilities and 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.
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. The fiery furnace was no obstacle for them because they believed in God.
Choosing the Right Thing
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.
They knew they would be thrown in the fire. Things got even worse for them. As a result of the king's fury, his countenance changed; the furnace heated seven times hotter, and it was so hot that even the men who threw them in, died. However, the king, working on his basic math skills, finds a problem for himself — there is 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. God will come through for you, as he did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Amid our trials or in the world to come, we have no idea how God will accomplish this through a miracle, but be sure God is faithful, and he will come through.
Questions for Family Discussion:
- After reading this passage from the Book of Daniel [Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95] take some time to reflect and then share any words, phrases, or thoughts you found particularly meaningful.
- Watch Father Boby's homily, again take a few minutes to reflect, then share what you found insightful or interesting.
- What difficulties in your life could be compared to the fiery furnace from the Book of Daniel? Take a moment to consider where you have seen God when things became difficult in your life.
Weekday Rosary and Mass
- Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center.
- To view the Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
