Daily Retreat 12/01/07
2007 Dec 1 Sat/ BVM
Dn 7:15-27/ Dn 3:82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87/ Lk 21:34-36
From today’s readings: “The kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, Whose Kingdom shall be everlasting: all dominions shall serve and obey Him.... Praise and exalt Him above all forever.... Be vigilant at all times....”
Getting Ready....
In chapter two, Daniel had interpreted that vivid dream of King Nebuchadnezzar about a terrifying statue symbolizing four kingdoms – historically, probably to be identified as the Babylonians, the Medes, the Persians, and the Greeks. The four beasts in Daniel’s own dream probably correspond also to those same four kingdoms.
A few weeks ago, the first readings were taken from the Books of Maccabees. The first book begins with the introduction of the evil King Antiochus, who fits the description presented here in the Book of Daniel of the king who “shall speak against the Most High and oppress the holy ones of the Most High, thinking to change the feast days and the law.”
The prophecy about the “final and absolute destruction” of this king’s rule must have been a great source of comfort to the faithful living at that time. So too did Jesus prophecy about numerous tribulations, which however, would be ultimately subject to His dominion. His prophecy was meant to likewise be a source of comfort and inspiration to the faithful who would be subject to those tribulations until His Second Coming.
Today we reach the end of the Church’s liturgical year. Tomorrow, the First Sunday of Advent, begins a new cycle in the lectionary: Sunday readings will be from the “A” cycle (the Gospel will primarily be Matthew’s - this past year, you might recall, has been mainly from Luke’s Gospel) and the daily readings will be from the “Year II” cycle.
Dn 7:15-27/ Dn 3:82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87/ Lk 21:34-36
From today’s readings: “The kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, Whose Kingdom shall be everlasting: all dominions shall serve and obey Him.... Praise and exalt Him above all forever.... Be vigilant at all times....”
Getting Ready....
In chapter two, Daniel had interpreted that vivid dream of King Nebuchadnezzar about a terrifying statue symbolizing four kingdoms – historically, probably to be identified as the Babylonians, the Medes, the Persians, and the Greeks. The four beasts in Daniel’s own dream probably correspond also to those same four kingdoms.
A few weeks ago, the first readings were taken from the Books of Maccabees. The first book begins with the introduction of the evil King Antiochus, who fits the description presented here in the Book of Daniel of the king who “shall speak against the Most High and oppress the holy ones of the Most High, thinking to change the feast days and the law.”
The prophecy about the “final and absolute destruction” of this king’s rule must have been a great source of comfort to the faithful living at that time. So too did Jesus prophecy about numerous tribulations, which however, would be ultimately subject to His dominion. His prophecy was meant to likewise be a source of comfort and inspiration to the faithful who would be subject to those tribulations until His Second Coming.
Today we reach the end of the Church’s liturgical year. Tomorrow, the First Sunday of Advent, begins a new cycle in the lectionary: Sunday readings will be from the “A” cycle (the Gospel will primarily be Matthew’s - this past year, you might recall, has been mainly from Luke’s Gospel) and the daily readings will be from the “Year II” cycle.
posted by FrPitstick | 11/28/2007
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