We are to keep our total devotion to God

 Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 5th Week of Lent B, March 20th, 2024
Texts: Daniel 3:14-20.24-25.28; Canticle Daniel 3:52-56; John 8:31-421
Today’s first reading reminds us of the first commandment: “Thou shall not have any other gods before me”. Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego show us what it means to keep the commandment. It means even putting our lives on the line. We are to keep our total devotion to God, even in the face of death.  
The three young men said, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."
The reading shows that God is with us in whatever situation we find ourselves. This is clear in the words of Nebuchadnezzar: "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" ... "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." God does not abandon us at anytime. This shows how much God loves us.
Jesus Christ tells us in the gospel reading to continue in His words. It is when we continue in His words that we are genuinely His disciples. We also have freedom as we continue in His words. This is because He is the Son of the Father. In His words: “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”  
Continuity in the words of Jesus means devotion to God only. It means we are not to stray away from God. We do not heed God’s word because we are commanded but because He is our Father. Jesus says, “I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." He adds, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did”.
Prayer
Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a gracious hearing when they cry out to you. Amen (Collect)
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke