A Living Faith

From the beginning, we see that Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego (aka Azariah) are in deep trouble. They stood up to Nebuchadnezzar. They refused to renounce their faith in God. They refused to worship a false god. This made Nebuchadnezzar very angry, and he sentenced them to be burned alive. Yet they calmly resolved to resist. They told the king that God could save them if he wished, but if he did not, it would not affect their faith and love for God. As they are placed in the fiery furnace, Abednego (Azariah) prays not for retribution upon Nebuchadnezzar and their Babylonian oppressors but rather, Azariah focuses on the faults of his own people asking forgiveness for their sins. As the 3 men are cast into the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar observes that they are not consumed by fire and that a fourth figure appeared in the fire with the form like the son of a god. At this point Nebuchadnezzar had the three men removed and was astonished that they were unharmed. This so impressed Nebuchadnezzar that he began worshipping God and commanded the nation of Babylon to do the same. By their faith in God, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego were saved from the fire and by their example they converted Nebuchadnezzar and the entire nation of Babylon.

Four years ago when my parents were near the end of their time here on earth (my mom had ALS and my dad had dementia), my brother would take them to Wednesday night bible study and Sunday morning services. Despite the tremendous challenges they faced, they never lost their faith in God nor their desire to worship him. They set a powerful example for our family and the members of their congregation.

I have a book at home called the QBQ the question behind the question. In this book the writer states that whatever the behavior the teacher wants the learner to learn, it is best for the teacher to model that behavior.

Here at Jesuit, we have daily opportunities to set an example of our faith in God, in Brotherhood, Community, and Men for Others. It is by this example that we best serve and influence our students.

More that 30 years ago we had a student here who was most difficult for teachers, coaches and administrators alike. Some 25 years after he had graduated, he showed up at Mr. Erasing’s office. (It was Christmas time, perfect timing.) As they talked, the young man broke down in tears, stating how sorry he was for his bad behavior as a student and it was only now that he “got it” and wanted to make amends. Mr. Earsing being the good man that he is did not give the young man P.H. or remind him of his past bad behavior but put his arm around the young man and told him how proud he was of him and would be happy to help him in any way he could.

Having a living faith in God that everyone can see in good times and bad and the ability to truly forgive others are two of the most powerful qualities we can posses to affect positive change within a community, individually or collectively.

Author: Charlie DeLong, Athletics