My parents named me Daniel … after the prophet.
As a child I would close my eyes at night and picture myself standing in the middle of a den of lions, unafraid and very brave.
The reality would likely be much different.
But as we begin a week of Old Testament readings from Daniel, leading us into the Season of Advent, it’s important to remember that this prophetic book was more than just a story of a man who escaped the lions. It was about a people – both then and now – who are called to remain faithful to God no matter what perils they face.
Good lessons then for the Jews in the BC era. And good lessons for us today.
With our world at crisis over seemingly random acts of terrorism, fear has crept into our daily lives no matter where we reside. But Daniel reminds us in vivid images and stories the virtues or remaining faithful to God.
As one noted Biblical scholar once wrote, Daniel’s message endures today. That message: “God is the master of history; He uses the rise and fall of nations as preparatory steps in the establishment of His universal reign over all people.”
Earthly kingdoms come and go. God’s kingdom reigns forever.
Today’s first reading highlights the great “food test” endured by Daniel and his three companions, who had been called into service of the king.
Those working for the king were expected to eat like kings, which meant drinking wine and eating pork, therefore breaking the dietary laws of the observant Jews of that time. Daniel cuts a deal with the guards to feed them only the vegetables. The guards are afraid because they’d surely be held responsible for the malnourishment of Daniel and his companions.
But Daniel ensures the guards that God will provide all that they need. And so he did. After a 10 day period, they emerged in better health and better looks – and seemed to be blessed with an abundance of wisdom.
As Christians today, we are not precluded from eating pork. But we are called to fast.
And if you think about it, we are also called to consume The Truth of God’s love into our bodies and souls. Through the Eucharist, we eat the body and blood of Christ, consuming the Word as we go.
But in our secular society, we are asked to consume much more – the latest trends, the fads, the humanistic movements, the often unjust laws of man and the general dismissal of our traditions.
So much that is hard to swallow!
Daniel resisted the urge to swallow the unjust menu of the secular king. He relied on God, instead, and kept faithful to His teachings. We, too, are called to persevere in our traditions and our faith – all the while never forgetting to love our neighbors as if they were ourselves.
We are called to rely less on earthly things and more on the graces and gifts God has freely shared with us.
As we move closer to the Season of Advent and preparation for the coming of Jesus, pray that we can follow the example of Daniel, who never gave in to the secular pleasures placed before him, nor the pressures and persecutions imposed by the Godless rulers of a secular nation.
