Our late Lenten scripture readings continue to help us understand the hostility Jesus faced culminating in his arrest and Passion.
In the first reading from the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar becomes livid when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden statue he erected. Their refusal to worship his false god leads him to rage and violence. Their refusal is not simply an afront to the King’s pagan god, but also to his ego. They refused to bow to him, to his will, to his demands, to his concept of reality.
In the Gospel, Jesus explains to his opponents that they are trying to kill him because his “word has no room among” them. The rage of Nebuchadnezzar mirrors the hostility encountered by our Lord.
The Jewish leaders conspire to kill Jesus because his word challenged their pride, self-righteousness, and ego. His truth exposed their spiritual enslavement to sin, and their blindness to the truth about God. "If God were your Father, you would love me”. But exposing their lack of love, they sought to silence the Word permanently.
Genuine faithfulness to God inevitably brings believers into conflict with the values and priorities of the world. The world's prideful and self-centered systems resist the message of humility, truth, and freedom that Christ brings.
Like Nebuchadnezzar, who demanded absolute allegiance to his concept of reality, so many in our culture today do not tolerate challenges to their worldview. Consider the rage on social media when Judeo-Christian values are promoted.
The readings help us to understand the hostility of the world toward the truth of God, but they also offer powerful encouragement. The three young men in the fiery furnace were not abandoned; God stood with them, protecting them. Likewise, Jesus trusted deeply in the Father's presence, even when His word was rejected and He faced crucifixion. The Father vindicated His Son’s faithfulness through the Resurrection.
As we approach Holy Week, let us consider where Christ’s word may find resistance in our own hearts. May we remain faithful, even when confronted with hostility, opposition, or temptation. Trusting in God's presence, may the truth live in us richly that we may bear it witness, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Trusting in God’s steadfast presence and protection, let us present our prayers and petitions.
For the Church throughout the world, that she may courageously proclaim the truth of Christ, even in the face of opposition and hostility. Let us pray to the Lord.
For world leaders, that they may act with humility, justice, and openness to the truth, resisting the temptation to impose self-centered agendas or oppressive ideologies. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those who suffer persecution or hostility for their faith, that they may find strength, comfort, and encouragement in God’s unwavering presence and protection. Let us pray to the Lord.
For all who resist the truth of the Gospel due to pride or spiritual blindness, that their hearts and minds may be opened to God’s transformative and liberating truth. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those facing challenges, temptations, or struggles in their spiritual lives, especially the chronically ill, that they may experience God’s sustaining presence and grace, enabling them to remain steadfast in faith. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our deceased loved ones, that through the mercy and faithfulness of Christ, they may enter into the joy and eternal peace of God’s kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of your faithful people. Grant us the grace to remain steadfast in your truth and faithful in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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