"Name something you have that you have not received" (1 Cor 4:7). Everything we have comes from Christ the King, Whose feast we celebrated yesterday. King Jesus gives us daily food and wine from the royal table, that is, the Eucharist on the altar at Holy Mass.
God gave manna to the Israelites in the wilderness day by day (Ex 16:4). In the New Covenant, Christ the King gives us daily bread and wine in the Mass — the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
Daniel and his companions risked their lives to take a test of eating only vegetables for ten days, so as to live by their faith in God's holy law (Dn 1:12). Here's a test: for the next ten days, go to daily Mass, if at all possible. Make it purposeful and inconvenient — even a suffering, as it was for Daniel and companions. Eat the King's food from the royal table for ten days, that is, the Holy Eucharist (Dn 1:14). How will you look after ten days of eating "bread that comes down from heaven"? (Jn 6:50) "After ten days [Daniel and his companions] looked healthier and better fed than" their fellow students (Dn 1:15).
If daily Mass is not possible, do a spiritual communion for ten days. Take a life-threatening, life-changing risk for the Lord, as did Daniel and the widow of today's Gospel reading (see Dn 1:12; Lk 21:4). Put yourself on the line for the King. He will always provide from heaven for His servants (Mt 6:33). Take the trust test.
| PRAYER: | King Jesus, I love nothing more than to be Your subject. I will trust in You at all times (Ps 62:9). |
| PROMISE: | "I assure you, this poor widow has put in more than all the rest." –Lk 21:3 |
| PRAISE: | "Blessed are You on the throne of Your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever" (Dn 3:54). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College