Mar
26
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Dan 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5AB, 6 and 7BC, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35
Diary: 77, 390, 1148
"Deal with us in your kindness." - Dan 3:42
No mercy has been shown to Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael (also known by the Persian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). These three who had refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue are cast into the white-hot furnace, now seven times hotter.
From the furnace, Azariah's prayer shows how much trust they have in the Lord. "So let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame" (Dan 3:40). Spoiler alert: The three men emerged from the furnace without a hair on their heads singed.
Worshipping God entails more than an inner disposition of trust. Real trust also shows up in our actions. Earlier, Azariah has already told the king that he knows God can save them, but even if He will not, they won't worship any false god (see Dan 3:17-18.)
Our trust in God's mercy also should be reflected in how we treat others. In the New Testament reading, Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness. Jesus gives the example of the master who forgave a large debt, but his servant in turn had no pity on his fellow servant.
Forgiveness is a prerequisite of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Master suffered to forgive our impossibly large debt. How can we not forgive others?
Prayer: In gratitude for all You have forgiven me, Lord, may I always be forgiving of others.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
Readings: Dan 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5AB, 6 and 7BC, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35
Diary: 77, 390, 1148
"Deal with us in your kindness." - Dan 3:42
No mercy has been shown to Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael (also known by the Persian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). These three who had refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue are cast into the white-hot furnace, now seven times hotter.
From the furnace, Azariah's prayer shows how much trust they have in the Lord. "So let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame" (Dan 3:40). Spoiler alert: The three men emerged from the furnace without a hair on their heads singed.
Worshipping God entails more than an inner disposition of trust. Real trust also shows up in our actions. Earlier, Azariah has already told the king that he knows God can save them, but even if He will not, they won't worship any false god (see Dan 3:17-18.)
Our trust in God's mercy also should be reflected in how we treat others. In the New Testament reading, Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness. Jesus gives the example of the master who forgave a large debt, but his servant in turn had no pity on his fellow servant.
Forgiveness is a prerequisite of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Master suffered to forgive our impossibly large debt. How can we not forgive others?
Prayer: In gratitude for all You have forgiven me, Lord, may I always be forgiving of others.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
