Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/387

 The object  of  miracles.  God  worked  these  miracles,  firstly,  in order  to  protect  His  faithful  servant,  Daniel; secondly,  to  manifest  Himself to  the  pagans,  and  especially  to  king  Cyrus,  as  the  one  true  and Almighty God  and  Lord,  and  the  Saviour  working  signs  and  wonders on the  earth;  and  thirdly,  so  as  to  move  the  king  to  send  the  people of God  back  to  their  own  country, and  let  them  rebuild  the Temple.

Grace at  meals.  Before  Daniel  partook  of  the  food  miraculously sent to  him,  he  gratefully  remembered  the  goodness  of  God,  who  had provided him  with  it. We ought  always  to  thank  God  for  the  food which we  receive. We say  before  meals:  ‘‘Bless  us,  O Lord,  and  these Thy gifts  which  we  are  going  to  receive  of  Thy  bounty”,  and  after our meals  we  thank  Him  for  having  fed  us,  unworthy  creatures,  and made us  participate  in  His  gifts.

The power  of  pagan  superstition  and  the  wonderful  victory  of Christianity.  This  story  shows  us  how  deep  a root  the  follies  of  idolatry had taken  among  pagan  nations. Although Daniel  had  proved  the utter powerlessness  of  their  idols,  and  although  God  had  manifested His own  Omnipotence  by  the  most  wonderful  miracles,  they  would  not abandon idolatry; and  even  the  king  could  not  save  Daniel  from  their fury. If we  consider  all  this  it  makes  us  realise  how  wonderful  was  the complete triumph  of  Christianity  over  paganism. It is  a noble  work  both for God  and  our  neighbour  to  support  Catholic  missionaries,  who  preach the religion  of  the  cross  to  the  heathen  at  the  peril  of  their  own  lives.

Have you  always  said  your  grace  devoutly? Even the  beasts  without  reason  are  grateful  to  those  who  feed them; so  how  can  reasonable  men  not  be  grateful  to  their  Lord and Creator,  who  gives  them  life  and  health,  food  and  drink?

We were  all  created  for  the  glory  of  God. What have  you done hitherto  for  His  glory? Could you  not  prevent  many  sins among your  comrades? Could you  not  offer  your  daily  labours and burdens  to  God? Do not  forget  to  frame  your  intention  thus every day:  “O  my  God,  I will  do  everything  for  Thy  glory.”