Daniel’s faithfulness to God is shown by the way he refuses to defile his body with food from the king’s table. Daniel could have easily chosen to dine like the king but he chose God instead. In return, God makes a way for Daniel to fulfill his plan by causing the chief official in charge of them to show favor and compassion to Daniel. God also gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning to the chosen four from Judah. This earned them favor from the king because the king found that they were ten times better than the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom. God rewards our faithfulness to him when we put him first. When we sacrifice worldly treasures and pleasures, it purifies our hearts and minds. The same message is shown in today’s Gospel proclamation where Jesus notices the poor widow and says, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Lk 21:4)

Prayer: Abba Father, may we focus our eyes on you rather than the world. Purify our hearts and minds so that we may seek you more. Amen.