Daily Readings - Sat Nov 27 2021
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 interplay between trust in God’s ultimate triumph and the call to live with vigilance and prayer in the face of life’s uncertainties. In the first reading, Daniel describes a vision of four beasts, symbolizing the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms. The fourth beast, particularly fearsome, represents a power that oppresses the holy ones of God. Yet, the vision assures us that God will judge in favor of the holy ones, and the kingdom will ultimately belong to them. This passage reminds us that, despite the chaos and suffering we may endure, God’s sovereignty endures, and His people will inherit the kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples about the dangers of being weighed down by the cares of this life. He urges them to be vigilant and to pray always, so that they may stand before the Son of Man when He comes. This teaching emphasizes the importance of living with our hearts fixed on God, rather than being consumed by the distractions and anxieties of the world. Jesus is not calling us to fear the future but to trust in His providence while remaining spiritually alert and prepared.
Together, these readings encourage us to live with hope and perseverance. Daniel’s vision reminds us that even in the face of great trials, God’s plan will prevail, and the holy ones will receive the kingdom. Jesus’ words, on the other hand, call us to live each day with intentionality, prayer, and watchfulness. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, let us trust in God’s ultimate triumph and strive to remain faithful and vigilant, knowing that our true home is with Him.