Daily Readings - Sat Dec 02 2023
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 faith, vigilance, and trust in God’s ultimate triumph over evil. In the first reading from Daniel, we encounter a vision of four beasts, symbolizing four kingdoms that rise and fall. The fourth beast, particularly fearsome, represents a kingdom that seeks to dominate and oppress. Yet, Daniel is assured that the saints of the Most High will ultimately receive the kingdom, and God’s people will endure. This apocalyptic imagery reminds us that, despite the chaos and challenges of this world, God’s sovereignty is unshaken, and His plan for the holy ones will prevail.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus urging His disciples to remain vigilant and prayerful. He warns against being weighed down by the cares of this life and the temptation to indulge in worldly comforts. Jesus compares the coming day of reckoning to a snare that will catch the unprepared. This passage is a call to live with our hearts fixed on eternal realities, not distracted by fleeting pleasures or anxieties. It reminds us that our ultimate destiny is to stand before the Son of Man, and we must be ready.
Both readings, though separated by centuries, share a common theme: trust in God’s plan and the necessity of remaining faithful amidst uncertainty. Daniel’s vision assures us that even in the face of overwhelming evil, God’s kingdom will triumph. Luke’s Gospel challenges us to live with eyes open, hearts pure, and spirits prayerful, so that we may not be caught off guard by the trials of this life. Together, they teach us to stay grounded in faith, to avoid being consumed by the distractions and temptations of the world, and to trust that God’s justice and love will ultimately prevail. Let us strive to live each day with this hope and vigilance, knowing that we are called to be holy ones of the Most High, destined for an everlasting kingdom.