First reading Daniel 7:2-14
‘I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man’
I, Daniel, have been seeing visions in the night. I saw that the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea; four great beasts emerged from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings; and as I looked its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground and set standing on its feet like a man; and it was given a human heart. The second beast I saw was different, like a bear, raised up on one of its sides, with three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth. “Up!” came the command “Eat quantities of flesh!” After this I looked, and saw another beast, like a leopard, and with four bird’s wings on its flanks; it had four heads, and power was given to it. Next I saw another vision in the visions of the night: I saw a fourth beast, fearful, terrifying, very strong; it had great iron teeth, and it ate, crushed and trampled underfoot what remained. It was different from the previous beasts and had ten horns.
While I was looking at these horns, I saw another horn sprouting among them, a little one; three of the original horns were pulled out by the roots to make way for it; and in this horn I saw eyes like human eyes, and a mouth that was full of boasts. As I watched:
Thrones were set in place
and one of great age took his seat.
His robe was white as snow,
the hair of his head as pure as wool.
His throne was a blaze of flames,
its wheels were a burning fire.
A stream of fire poured out,
issuing from his presence.
A thousand thousand waited on him,
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
A court was held
and the books were opened.
The great things the horn was saying were still ringing in my ears, and as I watched, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and committed to the flames. The other beasts were deprived of their power, but received a lease of life for a season and a time.
I gazed into the visions of the night.
And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,
one like a son of man.
He came to the one of great age
and was led into his presence.
On him was conferred sovereignty,
glory and kingship,
and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.
His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty
which shall never pass away,
nor will his empire ever be destroyed.
Responsorial Psalm Daniel 3:75-81
Give glory and eternal praise to him!
Mountains and hills! bless the Lord.
Every thing that grows on the earth! bless the Lord.
Springs of water! bless the Lord.
Seas and rivers! bless the Lord.
Sea beasts and everything that lives in water! bless the Lord.
Birds of heaven! all bless the Lord.
Animals wild and tame! all bless the Lord.
Gospel Luke 21:29-33
My words will never pass away
Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’
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Trust in God’s unfailing love
In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Let us allow these comforting words of Jesus to sink into our hearts and bring us peace.
Many of us struggle to trust God fully because we doubt His power or care. Today, Jesus invites us to open our hearts and rediscover God’s unfailing love. Heaven and earth may pass away, but God is always with us, guiding, protecting, and speaking words that remain true forever. His love never fails. Because of this, we can live with hope, peace, and joy. We are also called to share God’s faithful presence and comforting words with those who suffer around us. Let us not fear to trust in God, who desires only to give us a love that upholds us, no matter what life brings.
Reflective question:
How can I live with trust in God today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
