Date in the Ordine: The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture Text: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; his throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw: One like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, the one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Breaking the text open – background and summary:
The first reading for today is taken from the Book of Daniel, the Old Testament prophet. The book of Daniel belongs to a category of scripture called apocalyptic. This type of text usually comes from a period of persecution and proclaims hope, it unveils that which we cannot see and reveals, usually, the triumph of good over evil.
Today’s text describes a part of one of Daniel’s visions of the heavenly throne with the Father Almighty, referred to as “the Ancient One” and Christ, the Son, referred to as “One like a Son of man.” It speaks of the power and presence of the LORD and of the LORD’s dominion over all the created universe.
How does this pertain to us today?
The reading for today provides a promise of providential care for us. Do we believe in the LORD’s care for us? Do we acknowledge the Father’s love and care for us that prompted Him to send His only begotten Son for our salvation?
Meditating on the text with personal questions:
Do I recognize Christ as “King”? Do I acknowledge and cooperate with His dominion, His power over me? Am I loyal to Christ?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, You sent to us your beloved and only-begotten Son to dwell among us, to reveal You and your unfathomable love for us to us, and to demonstrate that love most profoundly and efficaciously through his selfless sacrifice upon the cross for our salvation. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds and guide our hearts so that we might open ourselves to His love for us and his willingness to suffer crucifixion and death to open fully the mystery of your love for us. Help us to acknowledge His kingship, His dominion given to Him by You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
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