Episode 3023: Lifted Up on the Cross - Morning Episode

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The Holy Bible (Douay-Rheims Version): The most traditional English translation of Scripture, based on the Latin Vulgate.
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Lifted Up on the Cross
Daniel 14:27–42 (Douay-Rheims)
And the king went away with Daniel into the den of lions, and he set food before him. And he said: “Now I know that the Lord is God.”
And he brought him out of the lions’ den. But those that had attempted his destruction, he cast into the same den, and they were devoured in a moment before him.
Then the king said: “Let all the inhabitants of the whole earth fear the God of Daniel: for He is the Saviour, working signs, and wonders in the earth: who hath delivered Daniel out of the lions’ den.”
And he destroyed them that had devised the destruction of Daniel: and he established him in great honor in the kingdom of Babylon.
Gospel John 7:1–13 (Douay-Rheims)
After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.
Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
And His brethren said to Him: “Pass from hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see Thy works which Thou dost.
For there is no man that doth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, manifest thyself to the world.”
For neither did His brethren believe in Him.
Then Jesus said to them: “My time is not yet come; but your time is always ready.
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth: because I give testimony of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Go you up to this festival day, but I go not up to this festival day: because my time is not accomplished.”
When He had said these things, He Himself stayed in Galilee.
But after His brethren were gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
The Jews therefore sought Him on the festival day, and said: “Where is He?”
And there was much murmuring among the multitude concerning Him. For some said: “He is a good man.” And others said: “No, but He seduceth the people.”
Yet no man spoke openly of Him, for fear of the Jews.
Reflection
Both readings today focus on the theme of persecution of the just, and God’s providence in the midst of trial.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den:
Daniel, despite being innocent and faithful, was cast into the lions’ den because of envy and deceit. Yet, God miraculously preserved him, sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths. The story also recounts Habakkuk being carried by an angel to feed Daniel, a testimony of divine intervention.
In the traditional Catholic view, Daniel prefigures Christ: both were innocent, both were condemned by envious men, and both were vindicated by God. This reading assures us that God never abandons the faithful, especially those who stand firm in truth even when surrounded by hostile forces.
This is also a strong affirmation of Divine Providence God sees all things and acts at the appointed time. Though we may find ourselves in a world increasingly hostile to truth, God remains with us.
Christ Walks in Secret:
The Gospel shows Christ avoiding Judea, because His hour had not yet come. His own “brethren” relatives or countrymen did not believe in Him, and the leaders sought to kill Him.
Here we see Christ choosing to move in secret, not out of fear, but because His mission unfolds according to divine timing, not human expectation.
From a traditional standpoint, this speaks to the hidden nature of grace and how truth is often veiled in times of trial. In Passiontide especially, the veiling of statues and crucifixes in the Church reminds us that God often withdraws His sensible consolations, not to abandon us, but to purify and strengthen our faith.
Just as Christ went up to the feast in secret, He also enters our suffering quietly. Many saints have noted that when we feel most abandoned, Christ is most present often in a hidden way.
traditional and historical calendars commemorate several saints on this date:
• St. Dionysius of Corinth: A 2nd-century bishop known for his pastoral letters and efforts to combat heresies.
• St. Aedesius of Alexandria: A Christian martyr who, in 306 AD, publicly opposed the persecution of Christians, particularly the mistreatment of Christian virgins, leading to his arrest and execution.
• St. Julia Billiart: Born in 1751, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, dedicated to the education of poor children
Theme of the Day:
Divine Providence and Hidden Grace:
Even in times when the world persecutes the Church, and Christ seems hidden, He is present and acts at the appointed time. God delivers the faithful either by miracle or martyrdom and never allows the Church to be without the means of sanctification.
Quotes from the Saints:
• St. Alphonsus Liguori: “Let us suffer with patience, and God will not fail to console us in our tribulations.”
• St. Augustine: “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.”
• St. Teresa of Avila: “God alone suffices. Let nothing disturb you.”

Conclusionary Prayer:
O Lord, who delivers the just from the snares of their enemies, grant us the grace to remain faithful amid the trials of this life. As You preserved Daniel from the lions, preserve our souls from despair and error.
May the hidden Christ walk with us in our daily crosses, strengthening us to bear witness to truth, even in secret.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Daniel the Prophet, and all the saints, may we be found worthy to share in the resurrection of Your Son.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.