The first reading is a reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

King Nebuchadnezzar said,

Is it true Shadrach, Michiak, and Abendigo, that you will not serve my God

or worship the golden statue that I have set up?

Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I have made. Whenever you hear the sound

of the trumpet, flute, lyr, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments,

otherwise you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace, and who is the God who can

deliver you out of my hands?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo, answered King Nebuchadnezzar.

There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

If our God whom we serve can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands,

O King, may he save us.

But even if he will not your hands, O King, may he save us. But even if he will not,

know, O King, that we will not serve your God or worship the golden statue that you set up.

King Nebuchadnezzar's face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Mishiac, and Abendigo.

He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual,

and that some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Mishak, and Abendigo,

and cast them into the white-hot furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles,

Did you not cast three men bound into the fire?

Oh, assuredly, O king, they answered. But he replied, I see four men unfettered and unhurt,

walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God. Nebuchadnezzar explained, exclaimed,

...