Wednesday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

Today’s readings include the often-related Old Testament encounter between Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and King Nebuchadnezzar, and John’s Gospel retelling of a tense encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees. 

Nebuchadnezzar was a skeptic.  He could not fathom the words and behaviors of the three lads.  How could these characters say such things?  Their assertions flew in the face of what he believed.  Similarly, the Pharisees were confused and put off by the contentions of Jesus.  Who does this guy think He is?  Why is He in our face?  What He is saying is so outside our sense of what is and who we are. 

Stubborn confidence in their beliefs led Nebuchadnezzar and the Pharisees to refuse to think differently.  They were incredulous at the prospect of a contradictory truth.  They were dismayed by the audacious challenges presented to them.  Nebuchadnezzar belittled and threatened his challengers; the Pharisees similarly confronted Jesus.  Might we have responded in a similar manner?  How often are we presented with things we cannot conceive of as being true?  Difficult things—the unexpected death of a family member, loss of a cherished job, a devastating diagnosis.  Perhaps also things that appear too wonderful to believe—a scholarship to your “stretch school”, a reluctant lover’s willingness to marry, a long dreamt of pregnancy, survival following a terrible accident.

Perhaps it is a bit difficult to judge Nebuchadnezzar and the Pharisees.  Were they responding in predictable human ways to an absence of readily apparent evidence?  In Nebuchadnezzar’s case, discovering the truth came through witnessing an extraordinary miracle; his conversion came easily.  Like the Pharisees, we are admonished to search beyond the usual and customary.  Perhaps untangling some dilemmas exceed the limits of our human capacity.  Perhaps some things are better appreciated and deciphered with help from beyond who we are.  Help that may be found through contemplation, prayer, and supplication.

Prayer

Lord, help us to be open to the unexpected and unimaginable, to not belittle and discredit its bearer.  To be open to what at first appears unbelievable.  Guide us through the briers and mires of our discernment and grace us with confidence to do so.  Then, should our efforts bring us to the truth, embrace us and share our gladness and if our efforts in good faith lead us to err, embrace us because we will need Your tenderness.  Amen.

Church Hindes, ’69, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56
Gospel: John 8:31-42

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website