Today’s first reading always leaves the lector with no little confusion on how to pronounce the names Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar. Although the names may be difficult, the story is a familiar one: Standing up for what you know is right even though it may cost you your life. In this reading, the three young men are saved from the fiery furnace. Often times men and women who have stood up for their faith have not been so fortunate. Even in today’s so called enlightened society, religious persecution still exists, and many Christians are being killed for their faith. Just as we would pay attention to our own bodies if there was a sore or a bruise, so to we need to pay attention to those parts of the Body of Christ that are suffering persecution. Unfortunately, the locations of this persecution are widespread. From the subtle jokes and unkind references spoken about Catholicism in the United States to outright murder in parts of Africa and the Middle East, we know that the fate of many Christians in the world looks to martyrdom. Perhaps during this season of lent we can be more vigilant to the distant, therefore, unseen parts of our Mystical body and be ever attentive to ways in which we can promote their safety and human dignity which include the free exercises of religion.