Readings: Daniel 6:12-28, Daniel 3:68-74, Luke 21:20-28
“So, Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God. And the king commanded, and those men who had accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions, they, their children, and their wives; and before they reached the bottom of the den the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.” (Daniel 6:23-24)
Daniel correctly interpreted the handwriting on the wall. Everything took place as he said. The kingdom was divided between the Medes and the Persians. A new king arose, Darius, who appointed one hundred satraps and stationed them throughout the kingdom. He also appointed three presidents to oversee the satraps. Daniel was one of the presidents.
Now, trouble began when these satraps envied Daniel. Like Cain, who was angry with Abel, these satraps sought ways to pull Daniel down because “Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps… and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom.” (Daniel 6:3). Rather than envy anyone, look inwards to discover your unique gifts. There is enough space in the world for everyone’s candle to shine; do not go quenching others.
Do not be intimidated by someone’s success; instead, find out what it is they are doing right and learn from them. You do not know what sacrifices they have made, how many tears they have shed, or the extent of their self-discipline. It is like a student who cheated his way through school, envying a successful colleague who burned the midnight candles to learn. If someone is really good at what you wish to improve on, pulling them down or harbouring bitterness will never get you there. Do not make your mind the devil’s workshop.
In Daniel 6:4-5, we read: “So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. The men said, ‘We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.’” Many of us claim to be Christians, but our hands are not clean. When we partake in corrupt acts, we leave room for the devil to exploit us.
Let us examine our conscience. If my enemies were looking for something they could use to bring me down, would they find any? Can it be said of me that my only “defect” is my prayerfulness? And if they were to attack my prayer life, will I succumb? Will I stop praying for fear of being thrown into the lion’s den? Daniel’s experience continues to play out today. When your enemies want to bring you down, the first thing they do is to attack your prayer life. They know that whatever stops you from tapping into the power of God will give them access to your life.
Today, our enemies attack churches; they want to create the fear of worship because they know the power of prayer. When Jesus Christ spoke of the events of the end time, he said: “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity… men fainting with fear and with foreboding... Now, when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28).
By “raising your head high”, Jesus wants us to remain faithful like Daniel, who refused to be intimidated by the threat of being fed to the lions. This is not the time to stay away from the church. This is not the time to relax in your prayer life. Prayer itself is power. Whether or not you get what you are asking for, learn to enjoy prayer. Cherish the moments you spend with God. Daniel went so far as to open his windows so that everyone could see clearly that he didn’t stop praying.
Daniel did not seek to preserve his life. He landed in the lions’ den for praying, but God raised him to life by shutting the lions’ mouths. No matter what you suffer for God’s name, keep your hands clean and never stop praying. God may not prevent you from being thrown to the lions, but He will not let the lions eat you. As St. Paul says, everything works for the good of those who put their trust in God. (Romans 8:28). God will elevate you with the very thing your enemies planned for your destruction.
Finally, never wish evil for anyone. Never plan evil for anyone. Never attempt to destroy anyone’s good name or pull them down because you consider them better than you. The fate of Daniel’s conspirators is very similar to that of Haman, who had prepared gallows to hang Mordecai, not knowing he would be the one to die on it. (Esther 6 & 7). The evils we wish others return to us. Even before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions feasted on them.
Let us pray: Stir up the will of your faithful, we pray, O Lord, that, striving more eagerly to bring your divine work to fruitful completion, they may receive in greater measure the healing remedies your kindness bestows. 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. (Thursday of week 34 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Daniel 6:12-28, Daniel 3:68-74, Luke 21:20-28)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu