Monday of Week 34 – Dan 1:1-6,8-20; Luke 21:1-4

A good courtier anticipates the superior’s desires

But . . .

The story from the Book of Daniel that we hear today in the first reading is an introduction to the story of how, thanks to God’s blessing, the Jews exiled into captivity gained respect in the eyes of their new rulers. And how the God they faithfully served saved them despite the court battles going against them. However, what attracts my attention today is mainly the fear of the overseer of the court service. At the request of Daniel, who did not want them to break the customs of their nation, he didn’t give the young men chosen by the king their due portion of food. “I am afraid of my lord the king: he has assigned you food and drink, and if he sees you looking thinner in the face than the other boys of your age, my head will be in danger with the king because of you.” Typical of courtiers, isn’t it? He’s not worried about whether they are hungry, but only about what the king will think and whether his position will suffer.

It happens today too. In various interpersonal relationships. The courtly mentality, which forces us to focus on what our boss, husband, or superior thinks, obscures the true good. And what about me?