Readings: Daniel 1:1-6,8-20, Daniel 3:52-56, Luke 21:1-4
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.” (Luke 21:3-4)
In today’s first reading, Daniel, Hananiah, Misheal, and Azariah demonstrated what it means to put God first. As a sign of their trust in God and their adherence to their religious customs, they refused to eat the so-called rich food from the king’s palace. This decision appeared like a punishment to the chief of eunuchs, but in the end, they were more nourished and healthier than others.
In a similar vein, abstaining from sin today may seem like punishment, but ultimately, anyone who puts God first will have the final laugh. This passage teaches us to refrain from behaviours that oppose God’s commandments, even though the world considers them enjoyable. In this context, the king’s “rich food” includes stealing, idolatry, fornication, lying, worship of money, cultism, adultery, indecent dressing, certificate forgery, and so forth.
The fact that “everybody is doing it” does not make it right. Stay true to your beliefs. By prioritising Him, God did not fail Daniel and his friends. Learn to give God His proper honour, and He will never let you down. Even if others mock or call you names, remain steadfast and different.
In our Gospel passage, a woman puts two copper coins into the treasury. To the onlookers, this woman offered an insignificant sum of money. But for Jesus, she has given more than others. Just as the king’s rich food proved poor in the end, the large donations from the wealthy did not earn any praise from God. Similarly, like Daniel and his colleagues, who punished themselves by rejecting the king’s daily portion, this woman punished herself by giving away all she had to live on.
When we make such great sacrifices for God, they never go unnoticed by Him. Some people have an entitlement attitude; even if you cut off your head and give it to them, they would say you didn’t do it as smoothly as they prefer. God is not like that; He values and rewards even the smallest efforts. This woman could not have made such a sacrifice without profound trust in God. This passage teaches us to have a child-like trust in God’s providence.
St. Andrew Dung Lac was among the 117 individuals canonised by Pope John Paul II on 19 June 1988, recognised as martyrs who remained steadfast in their faith during Vietnam’s religious persecution. This diverse group included 96 Vietnamese, 11 Spanish Dominicans, and 10 French members from the Paris Foreign Mission Society. It comprised 8 bishops, 50 priests, and 59 laypeople who sacrificed themselves not only for their faith but also for the development of their country.
The legacy of these martyrs reflects their dedication to spreading the Christian Gospel in Vietnam and making a positive contribution to their country’s progress. Their bravery and devotion have earned them an honoured place in the Church’s history and the hearts of the faithful. To honour their sacrifice, the Church observes their feast day on 24 November, a date established on 1 June 1989, to remember the great price they paid for their faith and love of their homeland. St. Andrew Dung Lac and his fellow martyrs continue to inspire with their steadfast faith and patriotism.
Let us pray: O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his companions faithful to the Cross of your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant, through their intercession, that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be your children both in name and in truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his Companions, Martyrs. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Daniel 1:1-6,8-20, Daniel 3:52-56, Luke 21:1-4)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu