Dn 1:1-20
Lk 21:1-4

In 605 BC, Jerusalem was conquered & many Jews taken captive to faraway Babylon, including Daniel & 3 friends. In spite this tragedy, the 4 friends remained faithful & obedient to the dietary prohibitions of their faith. They later became trusted & favored advisers to the king (1st Reading).

In the Gospel, a very poor widow donated her last money to the Temple. Jesus praised her greatly for giving everything in spite her poverty…

Faithfulness & obedience to God and to the disciplines He gives through His Church is ultimately for our own good. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1Cor 2:9)

If we put our abundance & nothingness, our laughter & tears, all that we are at the Lord’s disposal no matter how senseless & hard, Christ the King will make our lives beautiful in ways beyond our imagining.