SAVED FROM THE LIONS

SABBATH

The first reading is a well-known story for most of us. Daniel is thrown into the den of the lions out of disobedience to the decrees of the king. The king has great admiration for Daniel for his exceptional administrative qualities. In fact, the king plans to have him rule over the kingdom. Out of jealousy, his fellow administrators seek to make charges against him. Daniel is the faithful Jew. He prays three times a day as is the custom of the Jews. He prays facing Jerusalem in his land of exile. While at prayer, his conspirators rush to the king to demand his life. He has disobeyed the absolute and irrevocable decree of the king that no one is to address a plea except to the king. The king is disturbed. He considers Daniel as one of his chief of staff. Because of his decree and its irrevocable status, it must be obeyed. Daniel, the disobedient, must be punished for his crime against the king. In a remarkable act of God, Daniel is saved from the lions. God in His goodness kept the lions at distance from Daniel the whole evening. It was another act of the sovereign God. With this miracle, the king issues a new decree — the God of Daniel is to be revered and feared. In a beautiful testimony, the king converts the whole nation to the Deliverer and Savior, the God of Daniel, the Lord God of Israel. The story reveals the just rewards of the ones who place their faith in God. “Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God,” proclaims St. Paul. He who remains faithful to the end, enduring all trials and difficulties, will always see the victory of God. This is the story of Jesus. Right to the very end of His life, He placed His faith in the Lord, the only one who could save him. The story of Daniel is a fine example for us all. In the face of trying circumstances, are we willing to trust in the Lord? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   Reflection Question: What are the pressing issues surrounding your life? Will you stand up for the truth?   Lord, You are my Deliverer and Savior. Save me from those who persecute me. Amen.   St. Colman of Cloyne, pray for us.