Lent 2019

 

Lenten Reflection: April 10, 2019

STM Lenten ImageThe story from Daniel in today’s Old Testament reading about the Hebrew figures of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and their confrontation with Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar has persisted for centuries into contemporary culture. It was in music class in Catholic grammar schools in the 60’s and is found on YouTube today with renditions by Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong and many others more recently.  It provides a timeless message of courage, faith and the presence of God with us.

At first read, the story describes the faithfulness of the three believers to their God. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to obey Nebuchadnezzar’s command to worship his golden idol and instead they accept the punishment of death in a fiery furnace. While in the flames they continue together to praise God in a beautiful litany ending with “Bless the God of gods…. Praise and give thanks for his mercy endures forever.”   Instead of their likely deaths, they are saved from the flames and their survival converts Nebuchadnezzar to believe in their God. This clearly speaks to the power of faith, trust and conversion in the plan of God for all of us.

Of interest is the fourth person in the fire noted by King Nebuchadnezzar.   He suggests it is an angel sent by the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to specifically save them.  Others have suggested that God himself is the fourth figure and that he accompanied Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and indeed accompanies all us through even the most terrifying and challenging of human experiences. The recognition of the power of trust in God converts Nebuchadnezzar and reinforces our faith in the mercy and support of God in our lives.

Over the past several years while working with refugee families, I have been humbled and inspired.  Many refugee families have endured both figuratively and literally the flames of terror and loss.  They have been thrown into a fiery furnace of bombs, destruction, and injustice. Yet, they remain grateful for their survival, hopeful for the future of their families, and faithful to their beliefs and culture. They are among many others in our community, our country and globally who are experiencing great hardship and fear yet who remain faithful to their beliefs, hopes and dreams. As we travel through the last days of Lent to the celebration of the Resurrection, who is the fourth figure who reached out to save Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?  As Jesus gave us new and eternal life through his Resurrection, are we able to reach out to share the mercy and love of God with those experiencing the flames of today?

Pat Ryan-Krause '81

Pat Ryan-Krause '81

Pat is Associate Professor, Emerita, in the Office of Global Affairs and Planetary Health.