The first reading informs us about the conquest of Judah by Babylon. Taken were 4 Judaeans, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They were to be trained for 3 years to be fit enough to serve the King in the palace. However, they were served a daily allowance of food and wine from the king's own royal table. They were brought up to observe the Jewish dietary laws. Should they go against the norm or insist on observing their own laws? It was a tricky situation. But they had to draw the line. If not, the future would be filled with many more compromises. Daniel begged for a trial period of 10 days on a vegetarian diet and water. Result? They looked and were in better health than the rest.

In our world today, many are struggling with the changing spiritual norms. What were considered normal for Christians to observe in times past, are now constantly being challenged by the worldly norms around us. Increasingly therefore, the lifestyle of Christians is not so much different from that of the world, eg living a materialistic and consumeristic life. We need to ask ourselves - Am I conforming carelessly to the world around me? Where do I draw the line and say ''No'' to that which is against my Christian faith and practice?