34th Week, Friday, Nov 26
Daniel 7:2-14 / Luke
21:29-33
***
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
