[SoothingDave]

Thematic albums were fun, but I think it was all downhill from Quadrophenia.

The one with Sting riding his scooter around? I'm a little too young to get that one. I was singing a song from Tommy to Sarah the other day.

But for thematic albums that really rock, nothign beats Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime. Those guys were way too intelligent for a hard rock band. Their songs were about something, other than girls and cars. Kinda like Rush.

SD

[al_c]

Prayer alert: A pilot friend of a friend (best man at my friend's wedding some years back) is missing in Iraq as of Tuesday. The pilot in the lead plane said that he saw an explosion behind him and then saw nothing. I assume this was the F15 Strike Eagle that is reported to have disappeared over Tikrit. Please pray for this man and his wife who is also currently in Iraq.

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Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Lenten Weekday

First Reading: Responsorial Psalm: Gospel:

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 Daniel 3:52-56 John 8:31-42 O God, who avengest me, and subduest the people under me, my deliverer from my enraged enemies. And thou wilt lift me up above them that rise up against me: from the unjust man thou wilt deliver me.  -- Psalm xviil 48,49

The following is, as usual, from The Word Among Us:

In the Book of Daniel, we read the story of the three young men who were sent bound into a furnace to be consumed by the flames. Yet in the furnace, they walked about freely and raised their arms in praise of God. How would you react if it were you? Would you, like these three young men, trust in God's protection? Do you believe that nothing in all of creation can overcome the Father's plan for his beloved people?

Sometimes God allows us to go through trials so that he can accomplish his purpose in us. He will sometimes use such "fire" to release us from bondage. This fire can come in many different ways and from many different sources. For example, some people have explosive tempers or lack compassion for others, and that gets them into trouble. Others, like the three young men, are placed in difficulties through no fault of their own, but because of their faith in Christ and their commitment to his gospel.

Whatever their source, trials have a way of exposing our weaknesses and moving us to the Lord for healing and strength. By their very nature, they make us needy before the Lord. They are meant to bring about a deeper union with him as we allow our old lives to be crucified with Christ more deeply. Such fiery trials can go a long way in transforming our "good theology" into practical experience.

According to the story, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of the furnace without any smell of smoke on them (Daniel 3:27). Haven't we met people who have endured a litany of tragedies, yet still exude great joy and zest for life? Often, they speak of how good and faithful God has been to them, even of how their sufferings have brought unexpected fruit in their lives. They testify to the promise that as we draw close to the Lord through fiery trial, the presence of God within transforms our hearts and shines through our lives. God's presence has the power to drive out bitterness, self-pity, and hopelessness--all the smell of smoke that can so easily cling to us!

"Lord God, I praise you for your faithful and merciful love. To you I surrender all that I find difficult and burdensome in my life. Loose me from any chains that hinder your life in me."

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God bless.

AC