Holy Prophet Daniel, the Three Holy Youths Ananiah (Ananias), Azariah (Azarias) and Mishael (Misael) (6th century BC).
Nativity Fast.
Hebrews 12:25-26. 13:22-25. Mark 10:2-12.
Read Hebrews 12:25-26; 13:22-25
Today we commemorate the three holy youths and the prophet Daniel, who stand as powerful examples of unwavering faith and fidelity to God. Faced with the fiery furnace and the lion’s den, they chose obedience to God over compromise, demonstrating the unshakable foundation of a life rooted in Him. Their witness reminds us of the steadfastness required in our own commitments, especially the sacred covenant of marriage highlighted in today’s Gospel.
In the Gospel, Jesus points us back to God’s original plan for marriage: a covenant of unity and self-giving love that reflects God’s unchanging faithfulness to His people. This lifelong commitment demands sacrifice, trust, and grace. Just as the holy youths refused to bow to the idols of their age, we, too, are called to reject the idols of self-interest, pride, and division that threaten to weaken our relationships.
The lives of the three holy youths and the prophet Daniel, alongside the words of the Gospel, call us to fidelity—to God, to our sacred promises, and to each other. Their courage and endurance inspire us to remain steadfast in our trials, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us.
Unlike the holy youths and Daniel, we are no longer waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise. In the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we have seen God’s plan revealed. Yet, like them, we live as pilgrims in a world that is not our true home. We are journeying toward the heavenly kingdom, where Christ has prepared a place for us.
May we imitate the steadfast faith of the three holy youths and the prophet Daniel. Standing firm in God’s truth, may we embrace the covenant of love in our lives with courage, sacrifice, and unshakable trust in Him.