In Canada this week we celebrate Remembrance Day on the 11th, when we remember our fallen soldiers as well as the deep risk our armed forces face every day. And I think that no matter our country, religion, or creed, we would do ourselves a service to remember that no matter our differences, there are many of us willing to sacrifice our lives for what we believe is the greater good. That’s partly why it’s so important for us as a global community to continue to empower sound and healthy decision-making, as well as a peaceful, altruistic approach to the world and our neighbors. It’s also why we have much to be thankful for when it comes to our martyrs and those that truly wish the best for us and are loyal to their higher ideas, even unto death – just like Christ and like Daniel in today’s reading. And ultimately, we’re told by tradition after tradition, this life isn’t the end – indeed, whether it’s the afterlife or reincarnation, we all will continue our journey toward eternity and so should strive for that higher idea of humanity today for the benefit of our eternal future.

In the ancient Hebrew book of Daniel, we see a continuation of the universal spiritual teachings that this book uplifts – with King Nebuchadnezzar falling from his kingship due to his pride and arrogance. In all of our beauty and personal gifts it’s easy to fall into similar vanities, but our feelings of pride only serve to undermine these empowerments from Divinity – the seed of consciousness called by many names, and they lead to our own fall. But although being cast down may seem like a setback for the king (it does speak to his need for change) we’re shown that even this failure can be viewed from the light of God as a necessary lesson for the healing of Nebuchadnezzar’s soul. May we each look at our own setbacks similarly: accepting the invitation to renounce our pride, regaining our crowns.

Throughout time there have been many persecuted due to their loyalty to their cultural heritage and personal convictions, and unfortunately, religion has often been the instrument used to do this. Instead of inviting openness and cultural diversity, like Babylon in today’s story we often set up a graven image in the place of a loving God and then persecute others for being different – resigning them to the fire of our judgment if not the fire of outright persecution when we can get away with it. Strangely enough, we personally often consign our own innocent and spiritual side to just such a fire, and yet even so, even with such hate in our world, I believe today’s scripture (Daniel 3) shines light on the resiliency and fortitude of the spirit of Divinity within and within all other beings in their diversity.