Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28 / John 8:31-42
If a burglar comes up to you, pointing a knife at your throat and saying "Your money or your life?", what would we be willing to part with?
Needless to say our life is more precious than our money and our decision is beyond consideration.
But change the question to "Your God or your life?" and now what would be our choice?
That was the question that was posed to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the 1st reading.
And if they choose to be faithful to God, then into the flames they go and their ashes will be scattered to the winds and no memory will be left of them.
But their words are profound as they replied the king: If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, He will save us. And even if He does not, then you must know that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have erected.
In the history of the Church and up till this present day, there are many martyrs whose names we know but many more martyrs who have given up their lives to be faithful to God.
And there are also many more others who have given up the faith under persecution and pain of torture.
The truth is all our wealth will one day be turned to dust. Our bodies will one day turn to dust. May this truth set us free so that we will always choose God and belong to Him eternally.