＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

 Daniel 6: 12-28*

(……) The king, therefore, could not help giving the order

that Daniel be brought and thrown into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve faithfully, save you.” A stone was placed at the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with that of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might remain un­changed.  

 Then the king returned to his palace and spent a sleepless night, refusing food and entertainment. Very early next morning, he rose and hurried to the lions’ den.   As he came near he called in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, did your God whom you serve faithfully save you from the lions?”

 Daniel answered, “Live forever, O king!   My God sent his angel who closed the lions’ mouths so that they did not hurt me. God did that because I am innocent in his sight. Neither have I wronged you, O king.”

 The king felt very glad and ordered Daniel released from the lions’ den. No wound was found on him for he had trusted in his God.   At the king’s order, the men who had accused Daniel were thrown into the lions’ den, together with their wives and children. (….)

 King Darius wrote to the nations,to peoples of every language, “Peace to you all! I decree that throughout my kingdom people should reverence and fear the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God, and forever he endures; his kingdom will not be crushed, his dominion will never cease. 

He rescues and he delivers; he performs signs and  onders  both in heaven and on earth. And he came to Daniel’s rescue saving him from the lions’ tooth and claw.”(…..)

 

Dn  3  Give glory and eternal praise to him.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 21: 20-28,

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that the time has come when it will be reduced to a wasteland. if you are in Judea, flee to the mountains; if you are in the Jerusalem, leave! If you are outside the city, don’t enter it!

 For these will be the days of its punishment and all that was announced in the Scripture will be fulfilled.  How hard will it be for pregnant women and for mothers with babies at the breast! For a great calamity will come upon the land, and wrath upon this people.

They will be put to death by the sword or taken as slaves to other nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the pagans until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.

Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of  nations  perplexed when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves. People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will be shaken.  Then,  at that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

So, when you see things begin to happen, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

“THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY.”

The gospel passage describes the destruction of Jerusalem which has historically happened. The highlight of which was the destruction of the temple which was basically central to Jewish faith and life.

The destruction was traditionally associated with the end of the world. Destructions are terrifying because of accompanying extraordinary disasters. Destruction are terrifying especially because they are attendant to loss and demise.

But Jesus hints at rejoicing and not fear. Destructions are only a portion of the whole picture and it is only on the surface. A bigger part of it is deliverance. At the end of the world is the coming of the Son of Man for liberation and freedom.

It is time of salvation for those who will endure the tribulations while remaining faithful to Christ. It should therefore be an exciting event. An image of caution though should not be entirely missed. Behind this excitement emerges a despairing portrait of punishment.

Those who have not and did not recognize Christ will be sentenced. And judgment will be severe.