There is pure poetry in today’s reading from the book of Daniel. The names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego roll trippingly off the tongue. When King Nebuchadnezzer demands that they fall down and worship his statue, when they hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, to say nothing of the zither, dulcimer, and double-flute (what an orchestra!), they are not impressed. But when the King sees them strolling around in the “white-hot furnace” speaking with an angel, he is the one impressed and exclaims, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” Amen!
Readings for Mar. 16, Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Reading 1 — Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Responsorial Psalm — Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Verse Before The Gospel — Luke 8:15
Gospel — John 8:31-42
To see today’s readings, click here for USCCB’s Daily Readings …