From today’s Scripture: “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.”—Dn 3:40

This passage comes from the book of Daniel, where three brothers were cast into a furnace for refusing to worship the false God recognized by King Nebuchadnezzar. Azariah (also known as Abednego) laments that they do not have the ability to offer burnt offerings to God and that the nation of Israel has been brought low due to sin. But Azariah and his brothers’ self-sacrifice serves as a literal burnt offering, and their fidelity to God helps atone for sin.

Consider moments where you are confronted by society pressures or other situations where you have to choose between honoring God or the easy route of going along with the tide of public opinion. Which path would you choose?

Let us pray: Dear Lord, help me to have the courage and conviction of Azariah and his brothers in difficult moments. Grant me the wisdom to discern the right path forward.

Today’s author is Julia Sauter, a member of Glenmary’s Development team. She holds a master’s degree in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

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