Reading 1: Daniel 2:31-45

The Word Among Us

"The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future."   (Daniel 2:45)

   Daniel was in a tough spot.  If he didn't tell King Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of the king's dream, he would be put to death with all the other wise men residing in Babylon.  But after he prayed fervently for an answer, "the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision" (Daniel 2:19).
     Daniel understood that the dream was a revelation of the future.  Four kingdoms would rise and fall, just as all earthly kingdoms have done throughout history.  Only the last kingdom, the kingdom of God, would "stand forever" (Daniel 2:44).  Surely this prophetic dream must have reassured Daniel.  Though his people were in exile, Daniel knew that God was in control and that in the end, his kingdom would prevail.
     We can't predict the future, especially when it comes to the rise and fall of worldly powers.  But here and in other biblical prophecies--including Jesus' own predictions of what is to come--we hear the same story.  There will be times of tribulation, but in the end, God's kingdom will reign.  We don't know when this will happen; even Jesus didn't know (Matthew 24:36).  But we can confidently place our hope in God's promises and look forward to that day when God will be "all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28).  This is the future that "the great God" has revealed to us (Daniel 2:45).
     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: your future is secure because it's in God's hands.  Your 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--to save you.
     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." 

Living Faith

Negative Energy

"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."   (Luke 21:6)

  It tore a thirty-nine-mile-long swath a half mile wide, killing three.  On June 1, 2011, an EF-3 tornado ripped its way through Western Massachusetts.  One man, who lived a few miles from our home, scrambled into his basement and bear-hugged a support beam by his stairs.  It wasn't until the tornado had passed that he opened his eyes and looked up--to see only sky.  His house was gone.  He, his stairs and little else remained in the basement.
     Most of the force of a tornado trails just behind the funnel.  Nearly all of the destruction comes immediately after a tornado passes, pulling things more than slamming into them.  It's known as negative energy.
     Unfortunately, we too expend negative energy.  And it also can be powerfully destructive.  A bit of gossip, words said in anger, selfish actions.  With Jesus' help, may we spread positive energy, being more aware of what we may be leaving in our wake.

Terence Hegarty

Living With Christ

Today's Good News

"...many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he.'"  (Luke 21:8)

    Today, Jesus warns us against putting our faith and trust in someone or something other than himself--especially when life around us or inside of us is filled with wars, earthquakes, and darkness.  He warns us against following anyone who claims to be him, that is, anyone who is a false prophet.  How can we detect false prophets?
     One rule of thumb for me is: a false prophet is someone who denies life's many legitimate joys and pleasures.  Jesus can be found in those joys and pleasures.  A false prophet is someone who denies life's inevitable pain and sorrow.  Jesus is present in them as well.
     Or, a false prophet might not be a person at all.  It might be our attachment to material goods, our obsessive need for control, or our persistent self-centeredness.

Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.