Today’s Catholic Reflection
In the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem. He took some treasures back to his land. He instructed his chief chamberlain to choose young men of noble birth from Judah for service in his palace. Among those selected were Daniel and his three companions. They were to eat royal food and drink wine, but Daniel chose a different path. He requested a diet of vegetables and water.
After ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than the others. The steward allowed them to continue their chosen diet. God blessed them with knowledge and wisdom, making them stand out. When they were presented to King Nebuchadnezzar, they were found to be ten times wiser than all the magicians in his kingdom. In the Gospel, Jesus noticed a poor widow who gave two small coins. Her offering, though modest, was greater than those who gave from their abundance.