First reading Daniel 7:15-27
His sovereignty will be an eternal sovereignty
I, Daniel, was deeply disturbed and the visions that passed through my head alarmed me. So I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to tell me the truth about all this. And in reply he revealed to me what these things meant. “These four great beasts are four kings who will rise from the earth. Those who are granted sovereignty are the saints of the Most High, and the kingdom will be theirs for ever, for ever and ever.” Then I asked to know the truth about the fourth beast, different from all the rest, very terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, eating, crushing and trampling underfoot what remained; and the truth about the ten horns on its head – and why the other horn sprouted and the three original horns fell, and why this horn had eyes and a mouth that was full of boasts, and why it made a greater show than the other horns. This was the horn I had watched making war on the saints and proving the stronger, until the coming of the one of great age who gave judgement in favour of the saints of the Most High, when the time came for the saints to take over the kingdom. This is what he said:
‘The fourth beast
is to be a fourth kingdom on earth,
different from all other kingdoms.
It will devour the whole earth,
trample it underfoot and crush it.
As for the ten horns: from this kingdom
will rise ten kings, and another after them;
this one will be different from the previous ones
and will bring down three kings;
he is going to speak words against the Most High,
and harass the saints of the Most High.
He will consider changing seasons and the Law,
and the saints will be put into his power
for a time, two times, and half a time.
But a court will be held and his power will be stripped from him,
consumed, and utterly destroyed.
And sovereignty and kingship,
and the splendours of all the kingdoms under heaven
will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.
His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty
and every empire will serve and obey him.’
Responsorial Psalm Daniel 3:82-87
Give glory and eternal praise to him!
Sons of men! bless the Lord.
Israel! bless the Lord.
Priests! bless the Lord.
Servants of the Lord! bless the Lord.
Spirits and souls of the virtuous! bless the Lord.
Devout and humble-hearted men! bless the Lord.
Gospel Luke 21:34-36
That day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’
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Watchful and Ready: Living with Purpose
In today’s gospel, Jesus warns us not to be weighed down by the cares of this world, like excess, worry, and distractions, because these can dull our spiritual awareness and readiness. He invites us instead to be watchful, to live with open hearts and minds, ready for the moments when God’s love breaks into our lives.
This call to vigilance is not about fear but about hope. It is about choosing daily to stay connected to God, to nurture our faith, and to act with love and compassion. When we live intentionally, mindful of God’s presence, we find strength to face challenges and peace amid uncertainty. Let this gospel passage inspire each of us to embrace each day with courage and purpose, staying awake to God’s work within us and around us, so we can stand firm and ready in every season of life.
Reflective question:
What distractions or worries might be weighing down my heart, and how can I stay spiritually awake and ready for God’s presence today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
