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27 November/Saturday/34th Week in Ordinary Time, 

Dan 7,15-27/Dan 3,82.83.84.85.86.87/Luke 21,34-36

By Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD

First Reading   Daniel 7:15-27

His sovereignty will be an eternal sovereignty

I, Daniel, was deeply disturbed and the visions that passed through my head alarmed me. So I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to tell me the truth about all this. And in reply he revealed to me what these things meant. “These four great beasts are four kings who will rise from the earth. Those who are granted sovereignty are the saints of the Most High, and the kingdom will be theirs for ever, for ever and ever.” Then I asked to know the truth about the fourth beast, different from all the rest, very terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, eating, crushing and trampling underfoot what remained; and the truth about the ten horns on its head – and why the other horn sprouted and the three original horns fell, and why this horn had eyes and a mouth that was full of boasts, and why it made a greater show than the other horns. This was the horn I had watched making war on the saints and proving the stronger, until the coming of the one of great age who gave judgement in favour of the saints of the Most High, when the time came for the saints to take over the kingdom. This is what he said:

‘The fourth beast

is to be a fourth kingdom on earth,

different from all other kingdoms.

It will devour the whole earth,

trample it underfoot and crush it.

As for the ten horns: from this kingdom

will rise ten kings, and another after them;

this one will be different from the previous ones

and will bring down three kings;

he is going to speak words against the Most High,

and harass the saints of the Most High.

He will consider changing seasons and the Law,

and the saints will be put into his power

for a time, two times, and half a time.

But a court will be held and his power will be stripped from him,

consumed, and utterly destroyed.

And sovereignty and kingship,

and the splendours of all the kingdoms under heaven

will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.

His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty

and every empire will serve and obey him.’

Responsorial Psalm  Daniel 3:82-87

Sons of men! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Israel! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Priests! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Servants of the Lord! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Spirits and souls of the virtuous! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Devout and humble-hearted men! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Gospel Acclamation    Matt 24:42,44

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stay awake and stand ready,

because you do not know the hour

when the Son of Man is coming.

Alleluia!

Gospel    Luke 21:34-36

That day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

Reflection

A significant aspect of the explanation of the vision of Daniel as given by the angel is the mention of the saints of the Most High to whom the kingdom is entrusted forever. It is significant that there is no mention of a succession of the kingdom that is entrusted to the saints of the Most High. The absence of such a succession is indicated by saying that the kingdom entrusted to them was to last forever. The interpretation of the vision places emphasis on a heavenly kingdom that would succeed the earthly ones. Suspense in the narration of the vision and its interpretation is increased as the author leaves unexplained some elements of the vision.

It is also important to note that the saints of the Most High are to take over the same kinship that was held by the preceding empires. This confirms the conviction that there is only one kingship which is entrusted to different people by the Most High who is the ultimate ruler. It is a rule that derives from heaven and not from human persons. If God does not give the kingship, in vain do people struggle to establish it all by themselves.

We are not too clear about those designated as saints of the Most High. We can however say that the term applies to people who are faithful to God. The Scriptures point out that Jesus Christ is the one who would establish the kingdom of God. This would be an everlasting kingdom since no one can snatch victory from him. He receives his power from God, not as a subject but as a Son, begotten from all ages. Christ is the only one who can save people because of faith in him and his sacrifice on the cross. His cross is the means of salvation and sanctification of all people. He is the lamb that was slain and who takes away the sins of the world. Christ himself says he is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him. Thus, the saints of the Most High are those saved by Christ. If we want to be counted among the saints of the Most High at the end time, we should endeavour to live a life of faith at all times. Let us keep in mind the words of Jesus in the Gospel Reading: “Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.” This is what will save us.

26 November/Friday/34th Week in Ordinary Time,

Dan 7,2-14/Dan 3,75.76.77.78.79.80.81/Luke 21,29-33

By Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD

First Reading  Daniel 7:2-14

'I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man'

I, Daniel, have been seeing visions in the night. I saw that the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea; four great beasts emerged from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings; and as I looked its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground and set standing on its feet like a man; and it was given a human heart. The second beast I saw was different, like a bear, raised up on one of its sides, with three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth. “Up!” came the command “Eat quantities of flesh!” After this I looked, and saw another beast, like a leopard, and with four bird’s wings on its flanks; it had four heads, and power was given to it. Next I saw another vision in the visions of the night: I saw a fourth beast, fearful, terrifying, very strong; it had great iron teeth, and it ate, crushed and trampled underfoot what remained. It was different from the previous beasts and had ten horns.

While I was looking at these horns, I saw another horn sprouting among them, a little one; three of the original horns were pulled out by the roots to make way for it; and in this horn I saw eyes like human eyes, and a mouth that was full of boasts. As I watched:

Thrones were set in place

and one of great age took his seat.

His robe was white as snow,

the hair of his head as pure as wool.

His throne was a blaze of flames,

its wheels were a burning fire.

A stream of fire poured out,

issuing from his presence.

A thousand thousand waited on him,

ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.

A court was held

and the books were opened.

The great things the horn was saying were still ringing in my ears, and as I watched, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and committed to the flames. The other beasts were deprived of their power, but received a lease of life for a season and a time.

I gazed into the visions of the night.

And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,

one like a son of man.

He came to the one of great age

and was led into his presence.

On him was conferred sovereignty,

glory and kingship,

and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.

His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty

which shall never pass away,

nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm  Daniel 3:75-81

Mountains and hills! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Every thing that grows on the earth! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Springs of water! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Seas and rivers! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Sea beasts and everything that lives in water! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Birds of heaven! all bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Animals wild and tame! all bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Gospel Acclamation  Luke 21:28

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stand erect, hold your heads high,

because your liberation is near at hand.

Alleluia!

Gospel     Luke 21:29-33

My words will never pass away

Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

Reflection

Daniel 7 marks a new literary style in the Book of Daniel. The first six chapters were of the historical style, now the author switches to the prophetic or apocalyptic style. Furthermore, in the first six chapters Daniel was interpreting the dreams of other people, now angels would interpret his visions. The vision of Daniel in the First Reading is one of the four visions he was privileged to receive. The one in the First Reading took place during the reign of King Belshazzar. The situation on the ground at the time Daniel received the vision is reflected in what he saw. The Babylonian Empire was on the decline and it was an occasion for God to reveal to his people that he was in control of world history.

Daniel saw the four winds of heaven which represent the four corners of the earth. The winds stirred up the Mediterranean Sea which symbolizes the sea of humanity. There was turmoil as the empire faced instability. This provoked a succession of kingdoms which the author refers to as four great beasts. The lion-like beast represents Nebuchadnezzar but the changes the beast undergoes symbolize his humiliating insanity and eventual salvation which is expressed as the giving of a human heart. The bear symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire that succeeded the Babylonian Empire. King Cyrus is a key figure of this empire. The leopard symbolized the Grecian Empire that succeeded the Medo-Persian Empire. This empire is represented by Alexander the Great. The four heads of the leopard symbolize the four generals who divided the empire after the death of Alexander the Great. The fourth beast which is without comparison is said to be terrifying, frightening and very powerful. Everything about this beast inspires fear.

This vision of the four beasts portrays the ultimate glory of God on earth. Every empire that comes into power is under the control of God and he decides when that kingdom must give way to another. Usually, such changes become necessary when leaders fail to follow the dictates of God or when the leaders think all depends on them and they control events in the world. Even in our own times, there are leaders who think in these terms. We have to keep in mind that as Christians we have only one Lord to whom we owe allegiance. When we are in leadership, we should look up to him and depend on him for guidance so that all that we do would be according to his will. Let us keep in mind the words of Jesus in the Gospel Reading: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Let us rest on this assurance and do all we can to remain faithful to the Lord.

25 November/Thursday/34th Week in Ordinary Time, 

Dan 6,12-28/Dan 3,68.69.70.71.72.73.74/Luke 21,20-2

By Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD

First Reading   Daniel 6:12-28

Daniel in the lions' den

The presidents and satraps came along in a body and found Daniel praying and pleading with God. They then came to the king and said, ‘Have you not just signed an edict forbidding any man for the next thirty days to pray to anyone, god or man, other than to yourself O king, on pain of being thrown into the lions’ den?’ ‘The decision stands,’ the king replied ‘as befits the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.’ Then they said to the king, ‘O king, this man Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, disregards both you and the edict which you have signed: he is at his prayers three times each day.’ When the king heard these words he was deeply distressed, and determined to save Daniel; he racked his brains until sunset to find some way out. But the men came back in a body to the king and said, ‘O king, remember that in conformity with the law of the Medes and the Persians, no edict or decree can be altered when once issued by the king.’

The king then ordered Daniel to be fetched and thrown into the lion pit. The king said to Daniel, ‘Your God himself, whom you have served so faithfully, will have to save you.’ A stone was then brought and laid over the mouth of the pit; and the king sealed it with his own signet and with that of his noblemen, so that there could be no going back on the original decision about Daniel. The king returned to his palace, spent the night in fasting and refused to receive any of his concubines. Sleep eluded him, and at the first sign of dawn he was up, and hurried off to the lion pit. As he approached the pit he shouted in anguished tones, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God! Has your God, whom you serve so faithfully, been able to save you from the lions?’ Daniel replied, ‘O king, live for ever! My God sent his angel who sealed the lions’ jaws, they did me no harm, since in his sight I am blameless, and I have never done you any wrong either, O king.’ The king was overjoyed, and ordered Daniel to be released from the pit. Daniel was released from the pit, and found to be quite unhurt, because he had trusted in his God. The king sent for the men who had accused Daniel and had them thrown into the lion pit, they, their wives and their children: and they had not reached the floor of the pit before the lions had seized them and crushed their bones to pieces.

King Darius then wrote to men of all nations, peoples and languages throughout the world, ‘May peace be always with you! I decree: in every kingdom of my empire let all tremble with fear before the God of Daniel:

‘He is the living God, he endures for ever,

his sovereignty will never be destroyed

and his kingship never end.

He saves, sets free, and works signs and wonders

in the heavens and on earth;

he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.’

Responsorial Psalm  Daniel 3:68-74

Dews and sleet! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Frost and cold! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Ice and snow! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Nights and days! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Light and darkness! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Lightning and clouds! bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Let the earth bless the Lord.

    Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Gospel Acclamation   Matt 24:42,44

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stay awake and stand ready,

because you do not know the hour

when the Son of Man is coming.

Alleluia!

Gospel   Luke 21:20-28

There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!

‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.

‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

Reflection

In the First Reading, the enemies of Daniel asked King Darius a rhetorical question. The enemies wanted the king to confirm the content of the edict he signed so that they could use it against Daniel. King Darius had no alternative but to affirm the content of the edict as presented by the enemies of Daniel. Armed with the confirmation of the king, they now accuse Daniel of having violated the edict of the king. They conclude that in conformity with the edict, Daniel must be thrown into a lion’s den in punishment for disobeying the edict of the king.

Daniel knew of the edict but he continued to pray to God because he was convinced it was the right thing to do. He did not consider it right to abandon the faith of his ancestors and begin to worship a human person. Daniel was conscious of the consequences of his action but he did not decide to hide and pray to his God. Such a move would have been hypocrisy. The faithfulness and boldness of Daniel are rewarded by God who saved him from the lions. This became a message for King Darius himself as it portrayed the power of the God whom Daniel worshipped. This led King Darius to issue a new decree calling on all peoples to worship the God of Daniel.

Daniel was not afraid to live out his faith even in the face of persecutions. He teaches us how we should remain faithful at all times, even in the face of persecutions. We should not be afraid of our enemies who may want to kill us, thinking by so doing, they would be victorious over us. We can also experience God’s powerful protective hand at work in our lives if we abandon ourselves into his hands. The turbulence of which Jesus speaks in the Gospel Reading could be interpreted as persecutions that God’s people face in this world. When we are faithful like Daniel, we would not need to fear anything because we know that the God in whom we have put our trust would liberate us from all harm.