Daily Readings - Fri Nov 26 2021
Daniel
1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.2Daniel declared, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.3And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.4The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it.5And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, 'Arise, devour much flesh.'6After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back. And the beast had four heads, and dominion was given to it.7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.8I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.11I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.12As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.13I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.14And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
Luke
29And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.30As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.32Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with visions of the end times and the enduring nature of God's kingdom. The first reading from Daniel describes a series of apocalyptic images: four beasts symbolizing earthly empires and a final, terrifying beast that is ultimately destroyed. This vision occurs during Daniel's time in Babylon, reflecting the anxieties of exile and the hope for God's ultimate triumph. The Gospel from Luke features Jesus using the fig tree parable to illustrate that signs of God's kingdom are imminent, emphasizing that while the world may pass away, His words will endure.
These readings connect through their themes of impermanence and divine promise. Daniel's vision shows the rise and fall of earthly powers, while Jesus teaches that true permanence lies in God's kingdom. Both invite us to look beyond current turmoil, trusting in God's plan.
In our daily lives, we face uncertainties and challenges, but these readings remind us to remain steadfast in faith. Like Daniel and the disciples, we are called to trust in God's eternal plan. The moral lesson is clear: while earthly things may pass, God's kingdom and His word are everlasting. Let us find comfort and strength in this truth, living with enduring faith and hope.