The first reading calls to mind the times we’ve been living in the last weeks. Nothing like a burning oven image to think of the hot water myself and all of us have been thinking we are in.  There is a lesson to be learned from the young men.  Even as the fire burned hotter, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained calm and loyal to their God.  In the epicenter of the furnace they remained unhurt through their faith and loyalty to God; even Nebuchadnezzar was amazed.

Jesus in the Gospel speaks to us with a simple formula. “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.” Christ is certainly talking about a salvific message further on in the passage. Much of His message is also for us in our daily life. As I reflect and consider the Gospel, the answer is always the same. Keep Christ centered and put my faith in Him. We may seem to be in the middle of a burning furnace now but with our reliance on Christ at the center our lives, we will be in the only place we need to be to ride out these times of uncertainty