[stephenkhoo]

Thursday, 24 November, 2011, 34th Ordinary Week, Cycle 1
KEEPING OUR HEADS ABOVE THE DROWNING WATERS OF LIFE

SCRIPTURE READINGS: DN 6:12-28; LK 21:20-28

All of us without exception will have to meet challenges and trials in life. Some days, life seems to be more difficult than others. This is particularly so when we are put to the test in the face of opposition and persecution, like the prophet Daniel when he was persecuted for his faith. In the gospel, Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem. He urged them, “…when these things begin to take place, stand erect; hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.” “These things” refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D. by the Romans when the Jews were isolated, cut off from all supplies and food. Of course, Jesus in His own life and ministry had to contend with much opposition and persecution from the religious leaders as well.

The point at issue is, how do we keep ourselves above the drowning waters of life in the face of challenges, be it to our faith, our values or our convictions? It is certainly difficult to remain true to ourselves when we are faced with opposition from all sides. The true mettle of a leader of course is known in times of crisis and trials; not during the good times. The faith of every Christian will be tested as well when they try to live the gospel life. Will we be able to stand erect and hold our heads high? Or will we succumb to the power of evil and ignorance? How can we withstand the onslaught of those forces that menace our lives?

The answer lies in the faith of the prophet, Daniel. We are told in the first reading that Daniel was a man of deep prayer and faith in God. His enemies and detractors complained to the king, “O king, this man Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, disregards both you and the edict which you have signed: he is at his prayers three times each day.” Daniel was truly a man of faith. In spite of the prohibition to pray or worship any other god but the king alone, under the “pain of being thrown into the lions’ den”, he refused to submit to the king’s edict. Instead, he prayed even more, for we read that “the presidents and satraps came along in a body and found Daniel praying and pleading with God”. Prophet Daniel, because of his relationship with God, knew that he could rely on Him to deliver him from all the snares and persecutions of his enemies. Such was his faith. And he was indeed proven right.

Faith brings about the power of God at work in us. For those who have faith, God works miracles in them. Hence, Daniel remained unhurt. When the king anxiously inquired about him, saying, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Has your God, whom you serve so faithfully, been able to save you from the lions? Daniel replied, ‘O king, live for ever! My God sent his angel who sealed the lions’ jaws, they did me no harm, since in his sight I am blameless, and I have never done you any wrong either, O king.’” Such is the power of God! Instead of suffering death at the jaws of the ferocious lions, the king had Daniel’s enemies fed to the lions.

What is significant is that faith inspires faith. When King Darius saw that he was unharmed, he began to have faith in Daniel’s God. He saw the power of faith and the power of Daniel’s God. “King Darius then wrote to men of all nations, peoples and languages throughout the world. ’May peace be always with you I decree: in every kingdom of my empire let all tremble with fear before the God of Daniel: He is the living God, he endures forever, his sovereignty will never be destroyed. And his kingship never ends. He saves, sets free, and works signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth; he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.’” In the gospel too, if the early Christians could remain staunch in their faith in the face of persecution, it was also because of their deep union with the Risen Lord, knowing that He was with them and that He would deliver them from their enemies. But it was also because of the faith of the early Christians who were willing to die for their belief in Christ. The undeniable truth is that our faith can edify others in faith. That is why it is said that faith is imparted and caught rather than taught. No amount of convicted preaching can replace the witness of faith by our very lives. The Fathers of the Church constantly declare to us that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. St Francis instructed his disciples to proclaim the gospel and only if necessary, to use words. Faith indeed is the key to keeping ourselves strong and courageous in the face of attacks from our enemies. It is our faith and relationship with God that helps us to stay strong and firm in our beliefs.

Of course, this intimate relationship with God that enables one to trust and surrender in faith can only be nurtured through prayer. It is in prayer that we come to experience the loving providence of God in our lives and His power at work in us. Only in deep surrender to God will we be able to overcome all our problems in life; and even if we do not overcome them, we will be able to endure to the end without succumbing to the forces of evil. Indeed, this is the secret of many successful people. They begin their day with prayer, with worship or with Mass. The spiritual food that they receive sustains them in their work the whole day. That is why we must come to God regularly so that He can strengthen us by His love and wisdom. Truly, nothing must ever be done without first consulting God or asking for His blessings and guidance. We must turn to the Holy Spirit before we begin any project or any work.

The tragedy for many of us is that we are unprepared. Instead of relying on Him for wisdom, guidance and strength, we only rely on ourselves. We never learn from the mistakes of our forefathers. Surely the signs that Jesus mentioned in today’s gospel are not new. Natural disasters, wars, epidemics, earthquakes, etc are not alien to us. Many nations and peoples have been devastated by natural disasters or killed because of wars. But still, we are not paying attention to the fact that we too might suffer the same fate. We are still unrepentant and living a life of sin and indulgence. We are still too blind to see the reality before us.

By not taking steps to strengthen our faith, many of us will not be ready when the test comes. This was what happened when Jerusalem was historically ravaged by the Romans in AD 70. The prophecy of Jesus came true as Jerusalem was “surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate ..They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.” Many were then taken by surprise but we too will also be taken by surprise. A day will come when we will be caught off-guard in the face of a critical illness or a failure in life or business. Our immediate reaction would then be anger against God and against people or life itself. Some would be so bitter with God that they lose faith all together, not to say that they have much faith to begin with. But it is strange that when things go wrong, God is always made the scapegoat, but when things are doing well, we never give glory to Him. When we are healthy and successful in life, the credit is always due to our hard work and planning. But when crises befall us, we are quick to blame God for them.

Of course, many people also come to God when they are in deep straits. Certainly, it is good that they still seek God in trying times because God is always compassionate and forgiving, like the Prodigal Father. But the sad truth is that at times it can be a little too late. If our relationship with God is weak, we might not have the faith and patience to trust that God will help us. Hence, when confronted with the struggles of life, many people not only give up hope in themselves but also in God. That is why it is important that all of us, regardless whether we are in good or bad times, must come to God daily to be nurtured by Him. In bad times, we need Him to be at our side. In good times, we need to store up our spiritual strength by becoming more intimate in our relationship with Him so that when bad times come, we will be able to stand erect, hold our heads high because we know that God will always liberate us. Yes, like the wise man who stores his money for a rainy day, so too we must strengthen and deepen our faith in Christ so that we will be able to weather the storms of life when they come unexpectedly.

In the meantime, the best guarantee that we can hold our heads high and erect when tribulations come is to live in such a way that our life is a perfect praise to God. This is what the psalmist invites us to do: “Give glory and eternal praise to him.” When we know Jesus and the power of His death and resurrection, then we can be certain that in whatever circumstances we are in, not a hair on our head will be lost. Jesus who has conquered sin and death will give us the strength to live forever even if we die. So long as we die in Christ, we will reign with Him and our conscience will be set free. As Jesus tells us, “…do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Lk 12:4-7)