By Stephen Langsianmunga Malneu csc –
Readings: Dan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42
We are enslaved by our sins, and Jesus, sent by his heavenly Father, saved us from the bondage of sin. Often our sins deviate us from the love of God; this is how the devil tempts us from
becoming close to God in all moments of our life. When we fall into the trap of the devil, we realize that nobody can save us, but only God. Therefore, we need the grace of God to be renewed as
his beloved children.
As we hear in the first reading, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon tempted and finally condemned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who chose to remain faithful to one God, rather than worshipping idols. The angel of the Lord delivered them from being harmed. In the gospel, the Jews claimed themselves to be the descendants of Abraham but failed to believe in Jesus, who is the only truth. The three young Jewish men remained loyal to their God, so Jesustoo who came as truth, invites us today to believe and accept him in our lives. Both the readings are meaningful for us. We often claim to be faithful followers of Christ, while we refuse to follow him in our actions.
We claim ourselves to be true Christians, while we cannot live with others in love. The unpleasant situations we experience in every single day of our lives calls us to reflect on our life of faith. Let us learn to surrender our life and human frailty, and always place our trust in the saving hands of God.