Daily Readings - Sat Nov 27 2021
Daniel
15"I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me.16I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. "So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things:17'The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth.18But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever-yes, for ever and ever.'19"Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws-the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left.20I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell-the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.21As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them,22until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.23"He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.24The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.25He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.26"'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.27Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'
Luke
34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able 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.