Daily Readings - Fri Dec 01 2023
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 encounter vivid imagery and profound truths about God’s ultimate triumph and our call to readiness. The first reading from Daniel describes a vision of four beasts rising from the sea, symbolizing the rise and fall of earthly powers. The fourth beast, with its terrifying strength and ten horns, represents the ultimate human pride and rebellion against God. Yet, the vision shifts to the Ancient of Days, who judges the beasts and destroys them, while the “son of man” receives dominion over all peoples. This vision reminds us that earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are temporary and will be judged by God, who will establish His eternal kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to teach about vigilance and trust in God’s plan. Just as the fig tree’s budding signals the approach of summer, so too will the signs of the times signal the nearness of God’s kingdom. Jesus assures us that while heaven and earth will pass away, His words will endure forever. This teaching invites us to live with hope and confidence, trusting that God’s promises are unshakable, even in uncertain times.
Together, these readings call us to focus on what truly endures. While earthly powers and human achievements may seem all-consuming, they are fleeting. What matters most is our relationship with God and our readiness to receive His kingdom. Let us cultivate a spirit of trust and vigilance, knowing that God’s word is our anchor in every storm. May we live each day with hearts open to His will, confident that His kingdom will prevail.