Daily Reflection – Nov 24, 2015
Tuesday 24 November 2015
First Reading: Daniel 2:31-45
Psalm Response:
Give glory and eternal praise to him!
Daniel 3:57-61
Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-11
Today’s Saint: St Andrew Dũng-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
Gospel Reading:
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
Reflection:
‘The God of heaven will set up a kingdom’
The statue in Daniel’s dream creates an image of sheer brilliance, and yet one that is also frightening to behold. It is one of great unity, not just of metals but of earthly kingdoms. We are shown a glimpse of the strength, power and might to ensue if all earthly kingdoms were to be united, but we are also shown that a single kingdom of such great unity is not possible here on earth.
In Luke, Jesus too speaks of the destruction of earthly kingdoms and nations in foretelling the destruction of the temple. He is speaking as a prophet and of the great kingdom of God that is to come and that is already present in his very being.
It is through and in Christ, the Son of God, that we will witness the kingdom of God. Here, God’s will and truth meet in our very own hearts so that his will may be done here on earth as it is done in heaven.
