Commentary on the Gospel of

Fr. Roland Chidiebere, CMF

Faith-expression in the face of martyrdom  

Azariah prays while in the fire! Let us consider some of the expressions contained in this passage. First and foremost, he is ‘in the fire!’ This means he is facing his death; being burnt alive because of his faith in God: martyrdom! Obviously, the choice of words of his prayer does not depict being afraid and or nervous in the face of death. No, instead they depict a deeply rooted conviction that he believes in God. And so, he recalls the act of covenant with God: ‘do not make void your covenant with us nor take away your mercy from us,’ he pleads with God. One thing is clear: practice makes perfect! He did not just start learning how to pray there and then. No, prayer had been his connectedness with God. At this crucial moment, he is simply doing what he does best. Jesus is consistent in teaching us to pray in season and out of season – an attitude of ‘ever-readiness’.

Furthermore, he makes an act of contrition, act of repentance and begs to be received by God as an offering! He gives his reason: ‘as we follow you unreservedly’. Our invitation to eternal union with God demands our discipleship. We have got to follow the Lord, so that we learn how to be where He is for that is His prayer that ‘where He is, there, we be with Him.’ Let us not wait for the ‘last-minute.com’ syndrome. Following the Lord is a whole life spiritual journey, a spiritual build-up! It is in this disposition, that at the face of death (violent or natural), with Azariah one is able to say with conviction: ‘deliver us by your wonders and bring glory to your name O Lord.’

Azariah’s experience reminds us that martyrdom is real! Martyrs are prepared by their ordinary day-to-day relationship with God. The same friendly, father-child relationship continues at the face of death. Lent gives us the opportunity to deepen this relationship of being ever ready.

Comments

write comment
Please enter the letters as they are shown in the image above.