Daily Readings - Fri Dec 01 2023
Daniel
1In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.2Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.3Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.4"The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.5"And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up and eat your fill of flesh!'6"After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.7"After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast-terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.8"While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.9"As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.10A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.11"Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.12(The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)13"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.14He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Luke
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees.30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.32"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never 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.