REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 28TH NOVEMBER 2023

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 28TH NOVEMBER 2023

Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 3; Luke 21:5-11

The Redeeming Power of Persevering Faith

Today’s first reading presents us the victory of persevering faith. In the first reading of yesterday, we saw how King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem. As is typical of every war, the conqueror takes possession of the conquered territory. The conqueror will also take back with it, the finest possessions of the conquered territory both in terms of human and material resources. Thus, yesterday, King Nebuchadnezzar said to Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch: “bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, handsome and skilful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding, learning and competent to serve in the king’s palace…”

That was how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah found themselves in the palace of the king of Babylon. To ensure holistic conquering, these men were to imbibe the Babylonian culture in its entirety including its religion so that nothing of their former nationality remains in and with them. This explains why they were to eat of the King’s rich food which was however a taboo for Daniel and his brothers. To eat of such food is tantamount to serving the Babylonian gods. The refusal of these four noble men was a demonstration of their faithfulness to the living God.

In today’s first reading, the reward of their faithfulness manifested in great light. The same king Nebuchadnezzar who wanted to rip Daniel and his brothers of their relationship with the living God, is now being helped with the inspiration that comes from the living God. That which the king rejected became the corner stone. If Daniel had not remained faithful to God, he would not have been able to interpret the dream of the king.

At the end of the interpretation, Daniel made it clear to the king that the interpretation came from the great God; bringing to the king’s consciousness the foolishness of man whenever he attempts to live outside of God’s grace. Being and doing good will get you into some troubles, just as it brought Daniel and his brothers into Babylon; if you however remain consistent, you shall become victorious.

Beloved, in your own little way and space, you can become the seed of transformation for your territory. When St. Paul told us to fan into flame the gifts we have received, he was asking that we do not give up in doing what is right because someday, the world will depend on our faithfulness.

That an authority erred in commanding does not mean that you should err in obeying. The morality of an action is not dependent on the caliber of persons involved or the civil backing it receives. What is wrong is wrong even when it is supported by civil law and carried out by those in authorities. The pitiable state of a failed nation will only be revitalized by a minority that refused to be conquered. My dear, remain faithful in little things; it will make way someday.