Daily Reflections- March 28, 2012

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TRIALS COME?

 

In life, we go through trials. In fact, we say, “True gold is tested by fire.” When Ninoy Aquino, one of the Filipino heroes, was incarcerated during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos, he remembered and read about people he admired. He quoted Lorenzo Tañada: “When all else is taken away from you, what will remain is character.”

The First Reading talks about the trial that some of the Israelites faced with King Nebuchadnezzar. “There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up.” In the Gospel, we see Jesus experiencing this growing resistance of the Jews who cannot accept Him as the Messiah. Therefore, they wanted to kill Him.

First, you will understand that it must be hard for a leader to have people resist what is supposed to be followed by everyone. It must be hard for Jesus to feel rejected. The Jews just wanted to follow what their forefathers believed. They needed to fall back on their ancestors.

Second, real witnesses or martyrs are tested in the furnace of life. They prove their fidelity when there is threat even to life. Jesus also was tested at the hour of crucifixion. He was faithful to His Father’s will.

Third, fidelity is tested over time. Yahweh’s name is “I am who am” — the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob — the living God. Even Jesus also says, “I am.” He is present, especially to us who believe.

There is a favorite quote that summarizes the need for a perspective of time, history and the fortuitous time for God to speak to us: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that’s why you call it present.” Fr. Teodulo P. Gonzales, S.J

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What have been the big trials of your life? How do you face your trials?

 

Lord Jesus, help me to always believe that when trials come, You are there, too, present in me and with me.