Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28 / John 8:31-42
The Elects are already in the intensive period of their preparation of their baptism at the Easter Vigil.
For them to have come to this stage of their faith journey would mean that they have understood and accepted the teachings of Christ and also the traditions of the Church.
Certainly the reality of the cross and the cost of discipleship have been presented to them for their reflection and mediation.
The stories of the martyrs of the Church and how they shed their blood and gave up their lives for Christ would also have been shared with them.
The 1st reading with its persecution of the faith and the steadfastness of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would also be a good text for reflection on their life as Christians.
Of interest would be the reply of the three men to the king: Your question hardly requires an answer: if our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, O king, he will save us; and even if he does not, then you must know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have erected.
Those are very courageous words in the face of a mortal threat. Yet that statement says it all.
Because, if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8).
When we understand this, then we understand the truth of what we believe in and who we believe in.
Yes, when we understand this truth, then this truth will make us free - free to live for the Lord, free to die for the Lord, and free to belong totally to the Lord.