(a) Narrate the story of Daniel in which his faith was put to test.
(b) What two suggestions would you give to a present-day priest who faces opposition in his work of evangelization
(a) Daniel was one of the three presidents appointed by king Dairus to govern the 120 satraps of his empire. He found favour with the king and was to be made the administrative officer, a prestigious position which was envied by the other presidents. His rivals persuaded the king to sign into law an irrevocable decree that any one, except the king, who made a petition to a god or man for a period of thirty days would be thrown into a lion's den. Despite the decree, Daniel went to the upper chamber of his house, left the windows open and prayed to his God three times daily. He was maliciously accused and reported to the king by the conspirators for failure to obey the decree. He was brought before the king, tried and was ordered to be cast into the lion's den.
While Daniel was in the lion's den, Darius fervently prayed for his safety. Darius ordered a stone to be laid upon the entrance of the den and sealed it with his signet. He became downcast throughout the time Daniel remained in the den. Early in the morning of the following day, he went to the lion's den and cried out to Daniel to knoW whether or not he had been saved by his God. When he realized Daniel was still alive, with great joy, he ordered him to be brought out. He commanded his false accusers and their families to be thrown into the den of lions. He issued a decree which enjoined everybody in his domain to worship the God of Daniel.
(b) For a present day priest who faces opposition in his work of evangelization, it is advisable that the church should:
(i) embark on prayer and fasting for God's spiritual support and strengthening of faith.
(ii) advise him to continue to grow in faith
(iii) If opposition borders on threat to his life, he should appeal to the authorities in the land
(iv) Priests are to maintain personal and moral integrity.
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