Today, we hear about the need to set our priorities right.
What matters in life?
For Daniel and the three companions in the first reading, what matters in life is to keep the laws of God. Hence, in the face of temptations they had a critical choice to make. They refused to eat from the royal table. They refused to follow the command of the king. They were willing to risk everything, even their own lives. They refused to follow sinful practices that would compromise their fidelity to God. Their absolute refusal to eat unclean food shows us their courage and their loyalty to God. We would rather obey God rather than men, they said.
The widow in the gospel was praised by Jesus for her decisions and willingness to give up all in order to serve God. The widow gave all she had into the treasury.
In both readings, we are challenged to be ready when the spirit inspires us to go outside our comfort zone.
Following God involves taking risk. Hence, disciples are risk takers. We also must be ready to take risk ourselves. This is not always easy to practice as we know. Our society tells us to take control of our destiny, to follow our conscience, etc. But, what type of conscience, one may ask.
We are reminded once again, that God looks at our hearts. He sees our intentions. He knows about our inner warfare and struggles.
The story about the widow reminds us that even when we have little to give, it can count for a lot in the sight of God.
The trials of life do not destroy but purify the person of faith.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola had this to say “After you have made a decision that is pleasing to God, the Devil may try to make you have second thoughts. Intensify your prayer time, meditation, and good deeds. For if Satan’s temptations merely cause you to increase your efforts to grow in holiness, he’ll have an incentive to leave you alone.”
Have a wonderful Week
