34th Week, Friday, Dec 1;
Daniel 7:2-14 / Luke
21:29-33
Daniel had a remarkable vision; He saw a being coming on the clouds.
Daniel says, “As the visions during the night continued, I
saw One like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven.” The Gospels refer to
Jesus by the title son of man” no less than 69 times. The most striking
reference comes when Jesus is standing trial for his life. The high priest
asks, “Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?" Jesus replies,
"I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the hand of the Power and
coming with the clouds of heaven.' Mark 14:61-62
***
What are we doing right now to prepare for Jesus' coming at
the end of time? “They will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with
great power and glory. But of that day or hour, no one knows.' Mark 13:26, 32
***
In the famous chapter 7 of Daniel, a mysterious “Son of Man”
(a human being) is announced. Is he an individual or a community? He belongs to
both earth and heaven and will inaugurate a kingdom that comes as a gift from
God, not as an earthly conquest. Jesus will apply this title to himself and
purify it. The empires built on power and godlessness are ridiculed: they are
statues with feet of clay, or like monstrous animals. God will judge them, so
they will disappear.
***
It is often said that what we see is what we get. But on the
other hand, there is always more than meets the eye. What we see will
give us first impressions and opinions. But when we start to think about it, we
will discover deeper meanings and even the mystery behind it.
The 1st reading talked about Daniel seeing visions in the
night. That might already give us some ideas of the meaning of those visions
might be. For one, it would not be that clear in its meanings because the night
has always been mysterious and things cannot be seen clearly and there is
always something hidden. But what is obvious is the power struggle of the
earthly kingdoms and the rise and fall of empires. But as Daniel gazed into the
visions of the night, he saw something more than just earthly. Coming from the
clouds of heaven was one who was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and
his empire shall never pass away nor will it be destroyed. It was like a vision
within a vision, something more than meets the eye.
In the gospel, Jesus used the buds of a fig tree to tell us
that there is something more than just summer is near. It is the kingdom of God
that is breaking forth and manifesting itself in the midst of the
ordinary.
Yes, there is always something more than meets the eye. If
we don't see a deeper meaning in it, if we don't see the kingdom of God
happening in it, we may just be settling for something less.
***
The faithful should keep hope in patience: God’s kingdom is
near. There are not only tensions and conflicts inside God’s people and from
outside: there are also signs of hope, and we should see these signs.
***
Through the symbolism of the fig tree and other trees, we
are invited to read the signs of the time and comprehend the message that Jesus
imparts through his discourses. The seasons of the year bring changes in trees
and plants. There is a season when they shed leaves; this is the time for
pruning. Only after a period of struggle and maturation does a tree produce
fruit. In the same way, the life of a Christian must go through the seasons of
maturation to produce abundant fruit. After presenting these teachings from
nature, Jesus reiterates that his words are alive and active and that they do
not contain doubts and uncertainties. Hence it is expedient to take his words
seriously and, facing the seasons of our life, produce good, timely and
abundant fruit.
***
Opening Prayer
God of the ages and of eternity, you have entrusted to us,
your people, your project about people and the world. Do not allow us to delay
your plans by our own limitations. Make us aware that all we can do is being a
leaven and a sign that the seed you have sown will grow. Keep us hoping in
patience, that integrity, love and justice will come in your own good time as a
gift from you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
***
Dec 01, Fri
Saint Eligius (Eloi) (Bishop, Confessor) (c. 588
-660)
Saint Eligius was born of Roman parents in Limoges, a city
in central France. A noted goldsmith, he crafted a golden throne, adorned with
precious stones, for Clotaire II. Because of his incorruptible honesty, he was
made master of the mint at Marseilles, where he also collected alms for the
redemption of the poor captives arriving at the great port in a constant
stream: Saxons, Bretons, Moors… He edified the court by his life as a layman,
following the Irish rule for monks, introduced into Gaul by Saint Columban.
Eligius was responsible for the founding of a number of
monasteries and convents, the one in Paris sheltering no less than 300 virgins.
When Dagobert I died in 639, Eligius left the court, became a priest and the
following year was elected Bishop of Noyon by popular acclaim. This diocese,
which comprised the region of Flanders, was still inhabited to a great extent
by pagans, and it was to the eradication of their superstitious beliefs and
practices and their conversion to Christianity that he devoted his every effort
throughout the remaining 20 years of his life. He died on 1 December 660.
Saint Eligius, who was loved greatly by the people, is still
the most popular saint in Flanders and in France. He is revered as the patron
of cab drivers and of all who work with metal, especially goldsmiths and
blacksmiths.
Reflection: “Grieve not, my children; but rather
rejoice with me. I have longed for this time, and sighing under the miseries of
this world, I have wished for a release” (Saint Eligius).
