Scripture:
Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
John 8:31-42
Reflection:
Both readings today offer examples of truth-telling: The three young men, their lives threatened with a fiery death in the furnace of King Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus, inviting leaders to accept the truth he has learned from God. Each face leaders with power to destroy them. These leaders do not want God’s ways or truth. They have their own visions of reality and the power to impose them.
Rather than be co-opted by the values of society of their time, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Book of Daniel spoke their truth: "… O king, we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up."
Jesus in John’s Gospel speaks his truth to those Jews who believe in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
Where today are we called to speak the powerful truths … "we have learned from God"? (Jn. 8:40). To whom? For whom? For what issues? Are we ready to face the consequences of our words and actions because we believe that God calls us all to love one another rather than hate, to work for justice so as to bring about peace and to share our goods so that no one on this planet goes hungry?
Let us join together in prayer: God of great love and truth be with us. Speak through us. Act in us. Make us instruments of your peace and presence to all we meet today. May we speak Truth to power today.
Sr. Marcella Fabing, CSJ, is on the staff of Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.