In John’s Gospel today, those listening to Jesus insist that they are not slaves—they are free. Jesus reminds them that they are slaves to sin. In the excerpt from Daniel, the three youths are free because they refuse to bow to the societal norms of the day, choosing instead to be thrown into a furnace. The world in which we live has norms that are not in keeping with Christianity. Yet, it is hard to fall out of step with society. I try to walk a balanced path, but I know that I am formed and shaped by the culture in which I live. I must try to rise above herd mentality—not be a slave. This may be the hardest challenge of my Lent.
