In today’s readings, we witness the sobering fall of King Belshazzar, who dishonors God by using the sacred vessels from the temple for a worldly feast. His kingdom is “weighed and found wanting.” (Dan 5:27) Contrast that with Jesus' words in the Gospel: "You will be hated because of my name... but by your perseverance, you will secure your lives." Perseverance, not popularity, is the mark of discipleship.
