Faith, Liberation, and True Discipleship: Insights from Daniel and John
March 20, 2024 - Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; John 8:31-42
Both the first reading and the responsorial psalm come from the Book of Daniel. The first reading narrates the well-known story of the three young Jewish exiles - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - being thrown into a white-hot furnace for refusing to worship a golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. The responsorial psalm provides us with the song that those three men were singing while walking in the midst of fire. They praise the Lord and call the entire creation to join them in their praise even in the midst of persecution. The one who protects them from any harm is someone that "looks like a son of God" (Daniel 3:92).
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about true freedom to a Jewish audience that considers itself already free. They claim to be the descendants of Abraham, but their action of attempting to kill Jesus contradicts that claim. In this case, they are enslaved by the power of sin, and only Jesus can set them free: "if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free" (John 8:36).
The fiery furnace in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can be metaphorically connected to sin that features in today's Gospel. In both cases, the fire and sin represent a destructive force that threatens life, separates us from God, and brings spiritual harm. On the other hand, the one that looked "like a son of God" points to Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Just as the mysterious figure in the furnace prevented harm to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, provides a way for humanity to be protected and liberated from the consequences of sin.
Jesus said: "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). The three young men exemplify the meaning of that statement. They stood firm in their faith despite the threat of the fiery furnace and, in the end, were liberated. Their faithfulness to God not only preserved their lives but also demonstrated the freedom that comes from staying true to divine principles, to Jesus, even when faced with threats. True discipleship, as emphasized by Jesus, involves standing firm in the truth of faith, and adherence to this truth brings liberation and freedom.
In Christianity, the concept of truth transcends mere statements or ideas. Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing that He is the ultimate embodiment of truth. Therefore, the passage "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32) takes on a profound dimension.
Remaining in Jesus is not merely adherence to a set of doctrines but an intimate connection with the living Truth. Jesus Himself is the Truth, and through a continual relationship with Him, we come to know Him more deeply, leading to our transformation and liberation. But the liberation promised by Jesus is not just freedom from external constraints but a profound release from the bondage of sin and spiritual separation. By remaining in Jesus, we experience the liberating power of the Cross.