Daniel 6:11-27; Daniel 3; Luke 21:20-28
We have three different homilies on today’s reading we are can reflect using any of them.
Fr. Dennis Adigwe
The social media bill proposed by national Assembly is considered evil because it aims at stiffening our freedom of expression in a dictatorial manner.Daniel in our reading of today (Dan.6:11-27)faced the same fate.He was cast into lion’s den for not omitting a known duty despite death penalty.Friends,Daniel’s actions may be condemned today for lacking prudence before the edict of the state but the truth is that, our God saves, no earthly law can silent the voice of God’s Kingdom.We are called today to be the voice of the voiceless in a world where abortion and all moral ills are received with much legalities.Whenever we uphold the truth,the mouth of the Lion will surely be shut.
Fr. Dan Evbotokhai
Today’s readings present us with two basic themes. In the first reading we have the theme of prayer and in the gospel we are presented with the end-time experience. The simple relationship between both is that we need to pray like Daniel not just three times a day to conquer the Lions of hard times and End-time. Through prayer we ascertain our daily victory and retain our relationship with the heavens. We pray that in the face of hard-times like those conspire against Daniel and in the days of end-time we shall not end in damnation but continue to live forever with Him.
Fr. Evaristus Okeke
A Christian is a Soldier in War
Whenever I see or hear of Christians running from one place to the other crying that enemies are against them, I see Christians who do not understand the meaning and implication of the promises they made at their baptism; I see Christians who do not comprehend their unique identity. The first reading of today brings to our consciousness that attack is inevitable for those who lean on God. Sirach 2:1 tells us to prepare for an ordeal if we want to serve the Lord.
Two days ago, the first reading showed us how God used Daniel to interpret the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar after other helpers have tried unsuccessfully. Yesterday, strange writings were seen on the walls while king Belshazzar feasted, desecrating the holy vessels of gold and of silver. Only Daniel could make a meaning out of the writings with the help of God. It became clear that Daniel’s faithfulness to God was making him so special from the reign of one king to another. Surely, this will not go down with those who could not do what Daniel did. You cannot bear the light of Christ in you and not be a matter of conflict for darkness.
Today, it is not the king who is on the look for whoever will not serve the Babylonians gods but some unnamed men. They knew that Daniel will not trade with his faithfulness to God and so, they decided to spy on him so that they could make a case with him, and through that, get him out of the way. They were so observant to have discovered the number of times Daniel prays to God daily. We are not told if Daniel was aware of the plot against him; what is clear is that he did not allow anyone or anything to separate him from the love of God.
Beloved, to be a Christian is to be at war with the Devil. Make no mistake about this! The example of Daniel teaches us that we have no business with knowing who the devil is using to attack us; we have no business trying to understand their plots and tricks. Our business is to ensure that we are not separated from the love of God. For the one whom God loves, no evil can ever destroy because one with God is majority. The fiercest war you can wedge against the devil is to have a persevering faith. Many Christians want to fight their enemies but do not want to keep God’s commandments.
You never can tell the extent to which God will use your faithfulness to transform the world. Clearly, the king never wanted to throw Daniel into the loins’ den. Personally, he respected Daniel and the God Daniel serves. But this was something his position as a king will not allow him to express. He was also not happy with the unnamed men who spied on Daniel, but because they hide their evil plot under the guise of upholding the decree of the king. The king could not contradict himself by letting Daniel go. But as soon as the Lord saved Daniel from the loins’ den, the King got the leverage to decree that the God of Daniel be served by all and to order that the unnamed men and their wives and children be thrown into the den as food for the loins.
You see, through perseverance, the faith of an unconquerable minority became a national faith. Stop being surprise at the works of the enemy. It is a sign that you do not belong to it. Let all your quest and aim be on how to the please the Lord. Be rest assured that those who put their faith in the Lord will never be shaken. God Bless You.
