My thoughts are somewhat “muddled” this morning. I read our readings for today’s Mass and then I read them one more time trying to find something inspirational to post this morning. I then watched the video reflection for today’s readings which inspired me to go back and read the entire 3rd Chapter of Daniel.
When I first read our reading, I noticed that Mother Church did some editing because the readings were a variety of verses pulled from the chapter. I thought this was done so they could try to finish the daily Mass in a timely manner for people to go about their day. But I was wrong, because after reading the entire chapter, I realized what Mother Church did was give us the opportunity to praise God in the same manner that Shedrach, Mishach and Abednego did through our responsorial psalm. The Psalm doesn’t come from the Book of Psalms, but is taken from the middle of Daniel’s 3rd Chapter when Abednego (Azariah) sang to the Lord in the midst of the fiery furnace. What’s the big deal?
Do we find ourselves called to bow down before a false god? Does our job ask us to do things out of the realm of our religious practices? Are we caught up in the lifestyle of “keeping up with the Jones’? Are we lapse in our daily prayer or honoring the Lord’s day? Life has many twists and turns and we can pulled in many different directions. Do we take the easy path and “bow to the false gods of this earth” or do we willingly accept being thrown into the fiery furnace and remain true to our God? If you’re reading this, I believe you have accepted remaining true to our God and today’s Response Psalm is truly a gift for you – that chance for you to sing out to God amidst all the turmoil and trials you are enduring in His name…
Blessed are you God – praiseworthy and exalted above all for ever.
As I sit in traffic and have the opportunity to pray my Rosary…Blessed are you God – praiseworthy and exalted above all for ever.
As I sit at my desk and manage my work load for the day – Blessed are you God – praiseworthy and exalted above all for ever.
As I eat my cheese sandwich because I gave up meat for Lent – Blessed are you God – praiseworthy and exalted above all for ever.
As I sit in the stands on a beautiful April afternoon watching my daughter and her soccer team compete – Blessed are you God – praiseworthy and exalted above all for ever.
Fill in your own praise statements here. I believe the point we are being told today is simple – in all we do, in all God has done for us, in all of God’s creation that surrounds us, praise His name – now and forever.
Do something great for our Lord today – say Blessed are you God – praiseworthy and exalted above all for ever.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 