5TH WEEK OF LENT

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Miriam was having a hard time. She had lost two close friends within the same month through tragic, unexpected circumstances. Shortly afterward, without warning, her landlord chose not to renew her lease. She found herself homeless and had to sleep on friends’ couches while planning her next move. Meanwhile, her ailing parents required her financial and emotional support. But through it all, Miriam found strength from God in prayer. She continued her after-school program for at-risk youth, and her brave resilience gave hope to her students.

Like Miriam’s story, today’s reading about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can remind us where our strength comes from. God didn’t ask these men to muster up from within themselves the courage to face the inferno. Rather, he himself became their refuge, their hope, and their deliverer. Through their trust in the Lord—and despite King Nebuchadnezzar’s threats—the three young men found the strength to persevere and the resilience to hold fast to their faith.

Just as God strengthened Miriam and helped Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he will provide for us. As we seek him each day, he offers us the grace we need for the circumstances of our lives. A single mother working a second job to provide for her family can find the strength to carry on. A widower struggling with grief can find a mustard seed of hope each morning. God longs to give each of us his abundant grace, no matter our situation.

When we rely on the Lord’s power rather than our own resources, beautiful things can happen. Not only can we find the strength to endure, but we may also discover that our witness produces faith in people around us. King Nebuchadnezzar praised God when the men emerged from the fiery furnace unharmed. Miriam’s students found hope through her trust in the Lord. In him, no suffering is wasted. Know that your faith can bring light to people in darkness, hope to those in pain, and grace to those who are struggling.

“Jesus, when I feel tired, weak, or alone, help me to find my strength and hope in you.”

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
(Psalm) Daniel 3:52-56
John 8:31-42