34th Week in Ordinary Time
Clement / Columban

1st Reading: Dn 1:1–6, 8–20
Gospel: Lk 21:1–4
Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasure box; he also saw a poor widow dropping in two small coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them. For all gave an offering from their plenty, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.”

Commentary
Even though Daniel was submissive to every other requirement laid on the young captives, he drew the line at eating and drinking from the king’s food or wine. Daniel’s objection to the diet was based on an explicit prohibition in the word of God. His chief fear of the king’s food and drink was that they would defile him. He knew that intoxicating wine is defiling both in its moral and physical effects.
Daniel also knew very well that the conclusion of his course of action might be death. We see how courageous he was. He was no addled-headed adolescent. He was a young prince with the heart of a lion. We see why God was so pleased with him. If we go through life, with our eyes open to moral questions, we will be careful about what practices we adopt. Scripture is silent concerning many modern vices, because they did not exist in Biblical times. But they are certainly inconsistent with moral principles, based on scripture. His decision is even more remarkable when we consider that he made it all alone. He had no prodding from parents or pastors. How many young people today would have stood with Daniel?

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