REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Now that we are reborn, as I have said, in the likeness of our Lord, and have indeed been adopted by God as his children, let us put on the complete image of our Creator so as to be wholly like him, not in the glory that he alone possesses, but in innocence, simplicity, gentleness, patience, humility, mercy, harmony, those qualities in which he chose to become, and to be, one with us.
-- St Peter Chrysologus
First Reading: Daniel 7:15-27
(The Visions Are Explained)
15 The visions I saw alarmed me, and I was deeply disturbed.
16 I went up to one of those standing there and asked him to explain it all. So he told me the meaning.
17 He said, “These four huge beasts are four empires which will arise on earth.
18 And the people of the Supreme God will receive royal power and keep it forever and ever.”Now that we are reborn, as I have said, in the likeness of our Lord, and have indeed been adopted by God as his children, let us put on the complete image of our Creator so as to be wholly like him, not in the glory that he alone possesses, but in innocence, simplicity, gentleness, patience, humility, mercy, harmony, those qualities in which he chose to become, and to be, one with us.
-- St Peter Chrysologus
First Reading: Daniel 7:15-27
(The Visions Are Explained)
15 The visions I saw alarmed me, and I was deeply disturbed.
16 I went up to one of those standing there and asked him to explain it all. So he told me the meaning.
17 He said, “These four huge beasts are four empires which will arise on earth.
19 Then I wanted to know more about the fourth beast, which was not like any of the others—the terrifying beast which crushed its victims with its bronze claws and iron teeth and then trampled on them.
20 And I wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the horn that had come up afterward and had made three of the horns fall. It had eyes and a mouth and was boasting proudly. It was more terrifying than any of the others.
21 While I was looking, that horn made war on God's people and conquered them.
22 Then the one who had been living forever came and pronounced judgment in favor of
the people of the Supreme God. The time had arrived for God's people to receive royal power.
23 This is the explanation I was given: “The fourth beast is a fourth empire that will be on the earth and will be different from all other empires. It will crush the whole earth and trample it down.
24 The ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will appear; he will be very different from the earlier ones and will overthrow three kings.
25 He will speak against the Supreme God and oppress God's people. He will try to change their religious laws and festivals, and God's people will be under his power for three and a half years.
26 Then the heavenly court will sit in judgment, take away his power, and destroy him completely.
The power and greatness of all the kingdoms on earth will be given to the people of the Supreme God. Their royal power will never end, and all rulers on earth will serve and obey them.”
Psalm: Daniel 3:82-87
82 You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
83 O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
84 Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
85 Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
86 Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
87 Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
Gospel: Luke 21:34-36
(The Need to Watch)
34 “Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you
35 like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth.
36 Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
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