People often blame God for the negativity and suffering in the world. How could a good and compassionate God allow such things to happen? When the Israelites were driven into exile in Babylon, many might have voiced the same sentiments. But Daniel knows where the blame belongs: they are in exile because they deserted God and went their own way. It is not that God is punishing them, but allowing them to experience the consequences of their choices and actions. They had the law of God, and prophets had been sent to warn and instruct them, but did not listen. The violence and injustice so rampant in the world today stems from humanity's abandonment of God's ways. Justice, mercy, forgiveness, and sharing are not the guiding principles they should be. We should not blame God for our world, but accept responsibility for our choices. We can make a huge difference by applying the law of God - justice and love - to all human relationships. Making the correct choices each day will transform us as well as our world, and no choice is too small or insignificant.

As Luke tells us, the way we deal with others is the way we will be dealt with. This applies to institutions and nations as well as individuals. Compassionate love that is unconditional and given to all is the divine model that Jesus invites us to imitate. The kindness and compassion of God becomes our model of living, and it is truly healing and transforming for ourselves and those around us.