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Very often in life, we rarely think of you dear God our Father when we try to consider the best we could ever have; if ever we remember you, you always come last because we always want the finest and most premium as something tangible, something we can hold and even possess.
On this final stretch of our liturgical calendar before we move to our "new year" with the First Sunday of Advent, your words remind us very well how we continue that practice of searching and possessing the best - food, clothes, vessels, gadgets, even minds and talents or persons like King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the conqueror of Judah who ransacked your Temple of its precious vessels and threw your people into exile.
When he asked for the brightest and best men of Judah be separated to serve at his court, he gave them the best food and wine to ensure that they function well when summoned; how amazing were your servants led by Daniel who refused to eat the king's food and wine in your honor; despite their simple meals of vegetables and water, Daniel and his company emerged as the best young men in the king's court.
In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.
Daniel 1:20
Meanwhile at the donation box of the temple, your Son Jesus found the widow who gave two small coins as the best donor of all because she gave her very self to God unlike the rich who gave only a portion of what they no longer needed.
Teach us, dear God, that you are the very best of the best we can ever have and offer in this life; may we aspire to have you more - your love and kindness, your mercy and justice, your wisdom and understanding, your very life and presence so that we may also learn to give our total self to you. Like St. Cecilia, may we sing your song, O God in our hearts, giving our very selves to your loving service for others. Amen.
