Daily Readings - Sat Dec 02 2017
Daniel
15"As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.16I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.17'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.18But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.'19"Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,20and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.21As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,22until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.23"Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.24As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.25He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.26But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.27And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.'
Luke
34"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.35For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.36But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom and the call to remain vigilant in our faith. In the first reading from Daniel, we encounter a vision of four great beasts, symbolizing four kingdoms that will rise and fall. Despite the terror and chaos these kingdoms bring, Daniel is assured that the saints of the Most High will ultimately receive the kingdom, and it will last forever. This vision reminds us that earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are transient, while God’s reign is eternal. The fourth beast, with its ten horns and its blasphemous arrogance, represents the ultimate earthly power that persecutes the holy ones. Yet, even this will come to an end, and the kingdom will be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus’ warning to his disciples about the dangers of being weighed down by the cares and pleasures of this life. He urges them to be vigilant and prayerful so that they may stand before the Son of Man when he comes. This passage serves as a reminder that our ultimate hope is not in the things of this world but in the eternal kingdom of God. Jesus’ words are a call to live with our hearts fixed on heaven, avoiding the distractions and temptations that can lead us away from God.
These readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on trust in God’s providence and the importance of spiritual vigilance. Daniel’s vision assures us that even in the face of great trials and persecutions, God’s plan will prevail, and his people will inherit the kingdom. Luke’s Gospel, on the other hand, challenges us to live in a way that reflects this hope, remaining alert and prayerful as we await the Lord’s return. Together, they remind us that our true citizenship is in heaven, and we must not allow the fleeting attractions of this world to distract us from our ultimate goal. Let us, therefore, trust in God’s promise, stay vigilant in our faith, and live in a way that reflects our hope in the eternal kingdom.