The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Thursday, Week XXXIV, Year I in Ordinary Time, 25 November 2021 Daniel 6:12-28 ><)))*> + ><)))*> + ><)))*> Luke 21:20-28

God our loving Father, save us from severe tests and trials in life; make us steadfast in our faith and trust in you like your prophet Daniel who escaped death without any harm at all when thrown into the lions' den.
As I prayed over that wonderful scene I have known since a child, it was only now have I realized our biggest problem in being faithful to you in the face of death and grave danger; of course, it is pure grace from you to have such great courage and serenity but always, we back out, we balk at the mere thought of suffering because we are busy thinking of what will happen next, we are busy focused with the future than with the present moment where you are with us.
That beautiful imagery of Daniel spared by the ferocious lions evokes of a man so faithful to you, O Lord, living in your presence, unmindful and undisturbed of the past and the future because he was present in you and with you!
Daniel answered the king: “O king, live forever! My God has sent his angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me. For I have been found innocent before him; neither to you have I done any harm, O king!”
Daniel 6:22-23
Cleanse and empty us, dear Father, of our many excess baggage in life, our past sins and worries of the future so we may experience and live in your presence in every here and now, unmindful of whatever may happen for we are safely secured in you always. Amen.