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The book of Daniel was probably written around the time of the Seleucid Empire's persecution of the Jewish people. Although this was such a severe and brutal persecution (see 1 Mc 1:60-63), the author of Daniel could still poke fun at those persecuting him and his people. He pictured the persecutors as half-cocked and all shook up when they saw a disembodied hand and wrist writing on the wall. The author seems to enjoy describing the king of the persecutors thus: "When the king saw the wrist and hand that wrote, his face blanched; his thoughts terrified him, his hip joints shook, and his knees knocked" (Dn 5:5-6). In the midst of some serious teaching about persecution, punishment, justice, and God's sovereignty, the author of Daniel still liked to crack a few jokes. We too can smile even when we are manhandled and persecuted (see Lk 21:12). We can be light-hearted even when betrayed by our own family (see Lk 21:16) or when facing execution. The Lord will give us a special grace not only to speak up for Him at our trial (see Lk 21:15), but also to trust Him completely and know that He will either rescue us or give us a glorious death. Therefore, "when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, for your ransom is near at hand" (Lk 21:28). Anybody can crack jokes at a party, but only a child of God can do it at a martyrdom. Smile, laugh, suffer, die, live for Jesus, and love Him with all your heart. |
