St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin martyr

＊＊＊ 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. (…….)

No sooner had they reached the floor of the den than the lions lunged at them and tore them to pieces.

 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 wonders both in heaven and on earth. And he came to Daniel’s rescue saving him from the lions’ tooth and claw.”(…….)

  

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊      

Luke 21:20-28

 When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you must know that the time has come when it will be reduced to a wasteland. Then, if you are in Judea, flee to the mountains; if you are in the city, leave it; and let those who are in the fields not return to the city.

 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 divine justice 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 perplexed nations 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. And at this time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Now, when you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

At first glance, the reading seemed to be frightening and sinister. After all, it speaks of chastisement, Chaos will follow for the elements will clash with one another. Then great suffering will reign all over.

This is the style of the apocalyptic literature. The people of that time understands the deeper meaning of the text. But the people of today without knowledge of the context of this form of writing will have a great day imagining all sorts of frightening circumstances that will happen during the Last Day.

The many Christian sects love using this type of literature in the bible to recruit members. They will promise them cheap salvation. But if we will look closely at the text of this gospel passage, we see that the last sentence is always about hope. It is not punishment and destruction.