Fifth Wednesday of Lent

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up."

Maintaining our faith in the face of opposition or morals in the face of peer pressure can be difficult. The world persecutes those who place their trust in a higher power. Anyone who does not worship at the altar of selfishness and worldliness, is seen as strange and backward. However, our opposition to the ways of the world is exactly what gives us strength. We are signs of contradiction and as long as we place our trust in God, then we shall be saved and overcome all our trials. And even if we suffer greatly, we shall know in our heart of hearts that God is with us and will console us in the afterlife.

What forces in our lives are trying to sway us into giving into the wickedness? How can we better resist these temptations and influences? Are we willing to suffer in order to know, love, and serve God and His children with all we are and ever will be?

O Lord, we trust you will save us from all evil.

Amen.