THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent, 2022

Dan 3:14-20.24-25.28

(Ps) Dan 3:52-56

John 8:31-42

Child of God, Really?

Dear friends in Christ, what could be the best proof of lineage, particularly paternity, in our world today? Could it be a mothers’ testimony? Could it be physical appearance? It’s been found that there are children who do not have much physical resemblance to share with their parents. In the Gospel of today, Jesus asks his listeners to prove they are God’s children.

The first reading is from the Book of the Prophet Daniel (3:14-20.24-25.28). It is the story of some young men, who were thrown into the fire, because of their steadfastness. The king had commanded that his image be worshipped, by everyone in his kingdom; but these young men, who were being true to their Jewish faith, refused. When the report got to the king, he ordered that they obey, but to no avail. The threat of death in a fiery fire did nothing to scare the boys. They spoke with confidence, about their faith in God to deliver them; and even if He does not, they still will not worship an idol. The fire was made six times hotter than usual, enough to roast anyone without getting into it, yet the boys were unhurt by it. The king saw a fourth figure that looked like a son of the gods and exclaimed, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?… but I see four men lose, walking amid the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Even Nebuchadnezzar praised God on account of the courage shown by these young men. Can your faith move someone in this way? Are you faithful enough, to shun the way of evil and hold fast to what is true before God?

The gospel of today is from John 8:31-42. In it, a discussion had ensued between Jesus and the Jews, on the plot to kill him. He accused them of not being true to their heritage and thereby becoming slaves to sin. They however claimed their freedom as coming from Abraham, for his faith in God, which moved him to obey God without doubting His words. Unlike Abraham however, they wanted to kill, but that was not what Abraham did. Jesus told them, he has the power as the Son, to set them free from their slavery to sin, but they did not understand that; and claimed God to be their Father. Jesus again told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me…I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” If you are a child of God, you would love God and love your neighbor; you will treat others with kindness, and love them the way Christ loves you. Examine yourself, are you a child of God? Maybe like the prodigal son, you need to return home and say, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son/daughter…”

Let us pray: Lord, set us free from the slavery of sin. Help us to love others the way you love us, and to do all in our power to help and set them free. Amen.

+Remain blessed