Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent

• First Reading – Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95: King Nebuchadnezzar demands that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worship a golden statue he had made. When they refuse, he throws them into a white-hot furnace, but they are saved by God and emerge unscathed, causing Nebuchadnezzar to praise God.
• Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3:52-56: God, exalted by our ancestors, is eternally worthy of praise. In His holy sanctuary, on His divine throne, and across the heavens, His majesty is proclaimed forever, deserving of unending honor and glory.
• Gospel – John 8:31-42: Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews, telling them that if they continue to follow His teachings, they will know the truth and the truth will set them free. The Jews object, claiming that they are already free and do not need to be set free. Jesus counters that they are actually slaves to sin and that only He can truly set them free. He then goes on to explain that He is from God, but the Jews reject His claim, leading to a heated exchange between Jesus and the Jews.

If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.

John 8:42

Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent highlights themes of faith, truth, and God’s protection. The readings show the courage of those who trust God and the freedom that comes from following his truth.

• Faith Under Trial: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows their unwavering faith when faced with death. They trust God to protect them, teaching us to rely on him in times of trouble.
• God’s Protection in Danger: God rescues the three men from the fiery furnace, showing his care for those who stay faithful. His power is greater than any earthly threat.
• Freedom Through Truth: Jesus tells his followers that the truth will set them free. True freedom comes from living according to God’s will and trusting in his word.
• Courage in the Face of Persecution: The three men refuse to bow to the king’s statue, even when threatened with death. Their courage reminds us to stand firm in our faith, no matter the cost.
• Jesus as the Source of Freedom: In the Gospel, Jesus explains that faith in him leads to freedom from sin. He invites us to follow him and live in the freedom of God’s love.
• God’s Power Over Earthly Kings: The fiery furnace story shows that God’s authority is greater than that of any king. Earthly rulers cannot stand against the will and power of God.
• Faith That Inspires Others: The faith of the three men leads the king to praise God and acknowledge his greatness. When we live our faith boldly, we can inspire others to turn to God.

Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent calls us to reflect on our faith and trust in God’s protection. These readings remind us that God is with us in every challenge, offering strength and freedom through his truth.

Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent invites us to reflect on God’s power, the freedom found in faith, and the need to trust him in all circumstances. The readings highlight God’s authority over earthly powers, the freedom Jesus offers through faith, and the courage to trust God in difficult times. These themes encourage us to deepen our trust and live boldly in faith.

God’s Authority Over All

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent reminds us that God’s authority is greater than any earthly ruler. The king’s command to worship a golden statue showed his power over the people, but the three men refused because they obeyed God first. Even when faced with death, they trusted in God’s power to save them.

Their courage demonstrates that no human authority can overrule God’s will. The fiery furnace could not harm them because God was with them, showing that his protection is stronger than any threat. This story teaches us to put our faith in God, even when others try to pressure us to go against what we believe.

Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent reminds us that God’s authority is above all. When we trust in him and remain faithful, he will be with us in every challenge. This trust gives us the courage to follow him, no matter the cost.

Freedom Through Faith

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent, Jesus speaks about the freedom that comes from faith in him. He explains that sin enslaves us, but believing in him brings freedom and life. Jesus invites his listeners to follow him and find true freedom by living in God’s love.

Freedom in Jesus is not about doing whatever we want. It is about being free from the things that separate us from God, like sin and fear. This freedom allows us to live in peace and joy, knowing that we are loved by God and guided by his truth.

Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent encourages us to reflect on the freedom that Jesus offers. When we trust in him and live by his word, we experience the freedom to be the people God created us to be. This freedom gives us hope and strength for our journey of faith.

Trusting God in Difficult Times

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent show the importance of trusting God in difficult situations. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God to save them from the furnace, even when they did not know how he would do it. In the Gospel, Jesus calls his followers to trust in him for freedom and salvation.

Trusting God often means letting go of fear and doubt, even when the path ahead is unclear. The three men in the furnace did not have control over their situation, but they placed their trust in God’s power. Jesus invites us to do the same, promising that his truth and love will guide us.

Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent reminds us that God is with us, even in the hardest times. By trusting him and staying faithful, we allow his strength to work in our lives. This trust helps us face challenges with courage and hope.

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The reflections for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent remind us of God’s constant presence and call to live in his truth. By trusting in his authority, seeking his freedom, and relying on his care, we can face life’s challenges with faith and courage. May we carry these lessons with us and grow closer to God in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, you are our refuge and strength. Help us to trust in your authority and believe in your love. Free us from sin and fear, and give us the courage to follow you each day. May we live in your truth and share your light with others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you trust God’s authority more in your life?
• What does freedom through faith in Jesus mean to you?
• When have you faced challenges that required you to rely on God’s care?
• How can you inspire others with your faith and trust in God?

Word on Fire: Disease and Symptoms

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent, highlighting Jesus’ message in the Gospel about being enslaved to sin. He differentiates between individual sins and the overarching condition of sin, likening it to a deep, universal sadness rather than psychological depression.

This sadness stems from a sense of unfulfillment and spiritual frustration, a dissonance between our desires for truth, goodness, and what we often experience. Barron underscores sin as an inner debility, a barrier to our spiritual wholeness and fulfillment.

What date is Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent?

The next date is Wednesday April 9, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Wednesday April 9, 2025 are:
First Reading – Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95: The Fiery Furnace and God’s Protection
Responsorial Psalm – Daniel 3:52-56: The Song of the Three Young Men
Gospel – John 8:31-42: Freedom Through Truth 

Why were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into the furnace in the first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent?

They refused to bow down to the king’s golden statue because they worshiped only God. Their refusal angered the king, and he ordered them to be thrown into the furnace.

How did God protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the first reading?

God sent an angel to protect them from the fire. They walked unharmed in the furnace, showing that God’s power is greater than any danger.

What does the fiery furnace teach us about faith?

The three men trusted God completely, even when faced with death. It reminds us to have faith in God’s care, especially in difficult situations.

How can the first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent apply to our lives?

It reminds us to stand firm in our faith, even when others pressure us to go against it. Trusting in God gives us strength to face challenges with courage.

What does the story of the fiery furnace tell us about God’s power?

It shows that God’s power is greater than any human authority or force. Earthly rulers cannot stop God from protecting his people.

How can we inspire others with our faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

When we trust God and live our faith boldly, others see God working in our lives. This can lead them to praise God and strengthen their own faith.

Why did the king praise God at the end of the story in the first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent?

The king saw that God had protected the three men from the fire. He recognized God’s power and declared that no other god could save like this.

Why does Jesus speak about freedom?

Jesus explains that true freedom comes from following his word and turning away from sin. He teaches that living in God’s truth frees us from the things that hold us back.

What does Jesus mean when he says the truth will set you free?

Jesus teaches that living according to his truth brings freedom from sin and fear. When we follow him, we experience peace and joy that come from trusting God.

What lesson can we take from Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent?

We learn to trust in God’s protection, follow his truth, and stand firm in faith. These readings remind us that God is always with us, even in the hardest times.