Signs of the End

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with our desire to know the future in tension with the exhortation to be prepared today for our end time.

Prepared for the End

The reading from the Book of Daniel describes Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream.

* [2:36–45] The four successive kingdoms in this apocalyptic perspective are the Babylonian (gold), the Median (silver), the Persian (bronze), and the Hellenistic (iron). The last, after Alexander’s death, was divided among his generals (vv. 41–42). Of the kingdoms which emerged from this partitioning, the two that most affected the Jews were the dynasties of the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Seleucids in Syria. They tried in vain, by war and through intermarriage, to restore the unity of Alexander’s empire (v. 43). The stone hewn from the mountain is the kingdom of God awaited by the Jews (vv. 44–45). Compare the image of the stone applied to Jesus in Luke 20:17–18. (Daniel, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

The psalm response is the Prayer of Azariah from Daniel.

* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures. (Daniel, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus predicts the Destruction of the Temple and Foretells Signs and Persecutions.

* [21:5–36] Jesus’ eschatological discourse in Luke is inspired by Mk 13 but Luke has made some significant alterations to the words of Jesus found there. Luke maintains, though in a modified form, the belief in the early expectation of the end of the age (see Lk 21:27, 28, 31, 32, 36), but, by focusing attention throughout the gospel on the importance of the day-to-day following of Jesus and by reinterpreting the meaning of some of the signs of the end from Mk 13 he has come to terms with what seemed to the early Christian community to be a delay of the parousia. Mark, for example, described the desecration of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans (Mk 13:14) as the apocalyptic symbol (see Dn 9:27; 12:11) accompanying the end of the age and the coming of the Son of Man. Luke (Lk 21:20–24), however, removes the apocalyptic setting and separates the historical destruction of Jerusalem from the signs of the coming of the Son of Man by a period that he refers to as “the times of the Gentiles” (Lk 21:24). See also notes on Mt 24:1–36 and Mk 13:1–37. (Luke, CHAPTER 21, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney comments that in the Gospel people want to know what’s going to happen. But we still don’t really know exactly what the future holds.

We want to know what will happen. We want to know when, but we just don’t know. We will have to get through the bad times and hope for some good times. Nebuchadnezzar’s prophecy went way beyond his own lifetime. The prophecy Jesus gave to his people went way beyond their own life times. We can make guesses, and think about what these things mean and how they relate to the prophecy, but we really just don’t know when and where. So we have to do the best we can where we are now. (Whitney, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “First signs of the end times,” by Maximus of Turin (died between 408-423 AD).

"Perhaps you are anxious, brothers and sisters, at the fact that we hear constantly of the tumult of wars and the onsets of battles. Perhaps your love is still more anxious since these are taking place in our times. The reason is the closer we are to the destruction of the world, the closer we are to the kingdom of the Savior. The Lord himself says, 'In the last days nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. When you see wars, earthquakes and famines, know that the kingdom of God is at hand.'This nearness of wars shows us that Christ is near." (excerpt from SERMON 85.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Daniel 2:31-45 comments that all of us are tempted from time to time to get anxious or fearful about what the future may hold for us and our loved ones. When that happens, remember this truth: our future is secure because it’s in God’s hands. Our loving, faithful God cares deeply about his creation, and in the end, he won’t let it be overpowered by evil. In fact, he cares for us so much that he sent his Son to earth to save us.

Today in prayer, surrender to the Lord all your worries about the future. Trust him to help you through whatever difficulties that lie ahead, and keep your eyes fixed on the glory to come. Because just as he did for Daniel, God has already revealed to you the end of the story—an ending that’s better than any of us could ever imagine.

“Father, I trust in you, today and all the days of my life.” (Meditation on Daniel 2:31-45, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reminds us that the Book of Daniel was written during the persecution of the Seleucids with Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon as a stand in for the Seleucid Emperor who ruled over a mixed empire. Friar Jude notes that in the last week of the Church year, the Gospel about the end times urges us to always be ready.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Carlo Carretto (1910–1988) who was a member of the Little Brothers of Jesus, a community of contemplatives who lived and worked among the poor in Northern Africa. Carretto reflects on the call that inspired him to give up his comfortable life in Italy.

“You will be judged according to your ability to love” this place [in the Sahara] reminds me insistently. And my eyes, burnt by the sun, gaze up into the cloudless sky.

I don’t want to deceive myself any more; indeed I am not able to. The truth is that I did not give my blanket to Kada, for fear of the cold night. And that means that I love my own skin more than my brother’s, while God’s commandment tells me: “Love the life of others as you love your own.”…

God does not hurry over things; time is [God’s], not mine. And I, little creature, a man, have been called to be transformed into God by sharing [God’s] life. And what transforms me is the charity which [God] pours into my heart.

Love transforms me slowly into God.

But sin is still there, resisting this transformation, knowing how to, and actually saying “no” to love.…

To have resisted love, not to have been capable of accepting the demand of this love which said to me, “Give the blanket to your brother,” is so serious that it creates an obstacle between me and God and this is my purgatory. 

What’s the use of saying the Divine Office well, of sharing the Eucharist, if one is not impelled by love?

What’s the use of giving up everything and coming here to the desert and the heat, if only to resist love?…

“You will be judged according to your ability to love,” says the great stone under which I spent my purgatory waiting for perfect love to grow within myself, that which Jesus brought to earth for me…. (Rohr, 2023)

We can identify with the desire to know the future, yet we have the influence of the Spirit to make us aware that our life is the fullest when we accept every nudge to live with faith, hope and charity today.

References

Daniel, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/2?31 

Daniel, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3 

Luke, CHAPTER 21. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21? 

Meditation on Daniel 2:31-45. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/28/838513/ 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 28). Obeying the Call to Love — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/obeying-the-call-to-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov28 

Whitney, T. (2023, November 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112823.html 

Gifts of Service

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to maintain faith, hope, and love in our Way of Life on our daily journey.

Serving the Hungry

The reading from the Book of Daniel describes the life of four young Israelites at the Babylonian Court.

* [1:8] This defilement: the bread, meat, and wine of the Gentiles were unclean (Hos 9:3; Tb 1:12; Jdt 10:5; 12:1–2) because they might have been offered to idols; and the meat may not have been drained of blood, as Jewish dietary law requires. This test relates to the attempt of Antiochus to force Jews to eat forbidden foods in contempt of their religion (1 Mc 1:62–63; 2 Mc 6:18; 7:1). (Daniel, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

The response psalm is from Daniel 3 of Monday November 27, 2023.

* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures. (Daniel, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus comments on the Widow’s Offering.

* [21:1–4] The widow is another example of the poor ones in this gospel whose detachment from material possessions and dependence on God leads to their blessedness (Lk 6:20). Her simple offering provides a striking contrast to the pride and pretentiousness of the scribes denounced in the preceding section (Lk 20:45–47). The story is taken from Mk 12:41–44. (Luke, CHAPTER 21, n.d.)

Candice Tucci, O.S.F. notes that the young men shared their gifts of knowledge, proficiency in all literature and science and Daniel, the understanding of visions and dreams. These gifts were recognized by the king and put them in service. They used and shared the gifts that the God of their ancestors had given them.

In his own captivity, Daniel could give glory and praise God forever! Can we, no matter what our circumstances, do the same?

Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our ancestors,
Praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
Praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages…FOREVER! (Tucci, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Mercy and compassion are never worthless,” by Leo the Great, 400-461 A.D.

"Although the spite of some people does not grow gentle with any kindness, nevertheless the works of mercy are not fruitless, and kindness never loses what is offered to the ungrateful. May no one, dearly beloved, make themselves strangers to good works. Let no one claim that his poverty scarcely sufficed for himself and could not help another. What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls. The "widow" in the Gospel put two coins into the "treasury," and this surpassed the gifts of all the rich. No mercy is worthless before God. No compassion is fruitless. He has given different resources to human beings, but he does not ask different affections." (excerpt from Sermon 20.3.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 21:1-4 comments that Jesus is pleased whenever we sacrifice for him and for his people, but he is especially delighted when our gift comes from our lack. Thankfully, his Holy Spirit helps us to see what we most need to surrender to him and also gives us the grace to do it. As we respond to the Spirit’s leading, we will discover God’s abundant goodness in unexpected places. How beautiful that the more we offer to him, the more grace we find filling us up!

Just as the widow trusted in the surplus of her Father, you can trust that there is no scarcity in God’s kingdom. Your heavenly Father will provide you with the grace you need. He can give you strength to care for your family when you feel overwhelmed. He can remind you of his love as you persist in a dry season in prayer. He can give you compassion for people in need so that you become more generous. He sees you, loves you, and rejoices when you offer him anything out of your poverty.

“Thank you, Lord, for seeing me. Help me to give generously to you and to your people.” (Meditation on Luke 21:1-4, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Book of Daniel is set in the time of the Babylonian exile but it was probably written during the occupation of the Seleucid Empire to encourage the Israelites to maintain their religious customs and observances in opposition to the Greek influence. Friar Jude notes the story of the Widow’s Offering urges us to do what we can today, perhaps more tomorrow, and leave judgement to God.

Barbara Holmes describes the prophetic witness of Civil Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977). Hamer often grounded her words in Scripture and in her faith that God and God’s justice was with her.

It’s poison; it’s poison for us not to speak what we know is right. As Christ said from the seventeenth chapter of Acts and the twenty-sixth verse, says: “Has made of one blood all nations, for to dwell on the face of the earth.” Then it’s no different, we just have different colors.

And, brother, you can believe this or not: I been sick of this system as long as I can remember…. I been as hungry—it’s a funny thing since I started working for Christ—it’s kind of like in the twenty-third of Psalms when he says, “Thou prepareth a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou anointed my head with oil and my cup runneth over.”

And I have walked through the shadows of death because it was on the tenth of September in ’62 when they shot sixteen times in a house and it wasn’t a foot over the bed where my head was. But that night I wasn’t there—don’t you see what God can do? Quit running around trying to dodge death because this book said, “He that seeketh to save his life, he’s going to lose it anyhow!” [Luke 9:24] …

All we got to do—that’s why I love the song “This Little Light of Mine”—from the fifth chapter of Matthew. He said, “A city that’s set on a hill cannot be hid.” And I don’t mind my light shining; I don’t hide that I’m fighting for freedom because Christ died to set us free. [2] (Holmes, 2023)

We live in a society that sometimes exerts pressure on us to conform and compromise but we have the Holy Spirit to show us the Way that strengthens our relationship with God in challenging times.

References

Daniel, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/1?1 

Daniel, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3 

Holmes, B. (2023, November 27). God's Hand in Mine — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/gods-hand-in-mine/ 

Luke, CHAPTER 21. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21? 

Meditation on Luke 21:1-4. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/27/837947/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov27 

Tucci, C. (2023, November 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112723.html