Appearance is Not Reality

Monday 22nd November 2021. Read 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)

When it comes to serving God, we must be willing to go the extra mile, even to deny ourselves of certain worldly “privileges” to give God his rightful place in our lives. In our first reading today, we see how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah went the extra mile by denying themselves of the so-called rich food of the king as a way of giving God his rightful honor.

Their decision to abstain from the king’s food seemed like punishment but in the end, they looked better fed and more nourished.

There are so many evils today that are considered normal in our society today such as stealing, cursing, fornication, malice, worship of money, adultery, stealing, indecent dressing, taking bribes, gossiping, etc. Like Daniel and his colleagues, we are called upon to abstain from evil even if “everybody is doing it.”

Apart from the fact that we can survive without getting involved in such evils, we would be better in the end than those who engross themselves in such acts in the name of “enjoying life.” Learn from the Daniel experience, give God His due and God will take care of you.

In our Gospel passage, Jesus again pointed out the difference between appearance and reality. A woman put in two copper coins into the treasury which appeared like the smallest contribution anybody would make yet it happened that her offertory was the greatest among all those who gave.

This woman’s contribution can be likened to the act of Daniel and his colleagues. Just as they denied themselves of the king’s food, this woman denied herself of all the money she had trusting that God will provide for her. Behold, Jesus immediately noticed her. When we act with such faith, God responds immediately. 

Do I have this level of trust in God? Am I willing to let go of the world’s goods for the sake of my faith in God?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I put my trust in you. Give me the grace to stand out from the rest of the world. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial). Bible Study: Daniel 1:1-6,8-20, Daniel 3:52-56, Luke 21:1-4).