By Santhiya Philomone csc.
Readings: Dan 2: 31-45; Lk 21: 5-11
In the first reading, we are presented with the powerful image of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a colossal statue representing the nobility of human empires. However, this vision also includes a sacred stone, not crafted by human hands, which shatters the statue. This stone symbolizes God’s eternal kingdom, reminding us that human power and glory are fleeting in the grand scheme of things.
The gospel, records Jesus foretelling the destruction of the magnificent Jerusalem temple and the turbulent times ahead. In the midst of these changes, he advises his disciples not to be alarmed, as these upheavals are part of the unfolding divine plan.
Reflecting on these readings prompts us to contemplate where we place our ultimate trust. Do we invest our faith in the temporal or the eternal? They also teach us to navigate periods of uncertainty and change with unwavering faith. Just as God’s kingdom prevails over human empires in Daniel’s vision, our faith in God’s enduring plan can provide stability and purpose in a shifting world.
Let us place our trust in God who is eternal and let us anchor our faith in God’s enduring kingdom, which remains unshaken despite the upheavals of the world. Ultimately, they prompt us to seek lasting significance in our faith and connection with the eternal, even in the face of life’s uncertainties.