Lent 5, Wednesday – Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-54, 55-56; John 8:31-42

The furnace burns bright, casting its fierce glow, a harsh reminder of the heat of true trials. It is rare that the Lord presents us with decisions as stark as this: to choose life at the cost of bowing down to false gods or to embrace death in faithfulness to the true God. Most often, our choices may seem less dramatic, characterised by small gestures of faithfulness and minor sacrifices in accordance with God’s law. These choices are typically accompanied by a mere tinge of annoyance or discomfort.

For instance, if I decide not to do the shopping on a Sunday, I might miss the taste of orange juice or feel a longing for caffeine; yet, I choose to go shopping anyway. If I forgive someone who has wronged me, I may have to relinquish thoughts of revenge and the satisfaction of seeing my offender suffer; nevertheless, I choose not to forgive. If I refrain from taking pens, paper, and pencils from work for my children, I may feel a financial pinch in the form of fewer luxuries; still, I choose to steal from the workplace. If I commit to fulfilling my responsibilities or spending time in prayer, I might find myself with less time for watching television and may feel a little more tired; yet, I often choose laziness, drifting aimlessly on the internet, engaging in unnecessary activities or relationships.

So, I ask myself: Do we, as believers in Christ, truly fulfil His work? Do we love God as He loves us? If the answer is yes, then why do I find so many small (and sometimes larger) acts of infidelity and sin in my life? These take away my freedom, distort my self-image, and prevent me from recognising the singular truth that liberates us: our great dignity as children of God.

Lord, teach me to live in truth. Protect me from lies, even the smallest of them.