Some think, \u2018it is just children who break boundaries that their parents\/guardians set for them.\u2019 A parent\/guardian says, \u2018don\u2019t go to such and such a place\u2019 or \u2018you must be home at a certain time\u2019 etc and the instruction falls on ears that choose not to hear. This time of pandemic, the authorities restrict play dates for children, place limits on travel, house visits, shopping, leisure and social activities and so much more. These restrictions cause stress for people. They limit a person\u2019s freedom. Many unable to cope with such limits on their lives do not persevere and take a chance of going where they please. Other personalities stand firm in what the authorities ask. The authorities impose the restrictions, to which people make individual and personal choices. There are consequences for the choices a person makes.<\/p>\n
The reading proclaimed at Mass today\u00a0 (Dan 3:14-20) tells of three young men named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused King Nebuchadnezzar to worship one of his gods, the golden statue. He asked the young men if they were prepared to worship the golden statue at the sound of the various musical instruments. He warned them of the consequences of not worshipping the statue- they would be \u2018thrown straight away into the burning fiery furnace.\u2019 He further tested them asking, \u2018and where is the god that could save you from my power?\u2019 They told the king of their trust in God, and he was infuriated. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the army to throw the three young men into the furnace. \u00a0\u00a0God saved the men in the fire and in disbelief the king said, I can see four men walking about freely in the heart of the fire without coming to any harm.\u2019 Nebuchadnezzar realised that God sent his angel to rescue the men. He recognised that \u2018they preferred to forfeit their bodies rather than serve or worship any god but their own.\u2019<\/p>\n
The psalm proclaimed by the assembly (Dan 3: 52), offers \u2018glory and praise\u2019 to God for evermore. God desires our praise and thanks each day.<\/p>\n
The Gospel (Jn 8:31-42) proclaims Jesus\u2019 teaching to the Jews. He invites them to the way of discipleship by accepting his word and teaching. Through the word, they will learn the truth of Jesus\u2019 identity. The truth will set them free (as it did to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). The Jews argued with Jesus saying they were sons of Abraham.\u00a0 Jesus tries to explain to them about their Father in heaven but he sees \u2018that nothing I say has penetrated into you.\u2019 Jesus teaches them the truth about God but they do not believe.\u00a0 The truth about God is that there is one God and God sent Jesus into the world to proclaim his name.<\/p>\n
The message today for disciples is that they worship one God, three distinct persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is the mystery of the Blessed Trinity. This is our faith. We proclaim our faith as we say the Apostles\u2019 Creed. The first of the Ten Commandments states \u2018I am the Lord your God, you shall not have any strange gods before me.\u2019 The disciple honours God when he\/she prays, \u2018To you glory and praise for evermore.\u2019<\/p>\n
Today we give glory and praise to God for our family and friends, for the gift of a new day, for the wonders of nature this springtime and for all who care for us.<\/p>\n