Read Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11
“A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” (Daniel 2:45)
God still speaks to us today in many ways, including through dreams. God revealed the future of the kingdom to King Nebuchadnezzar in his dream. The king knew this dream was not ordinary; he had to seek an interpretation. Perhaps, given his experience of being deceived by his officials, Nebuchadnezzar also asked for the dream's content.
Many would rather hazard a guess and claim God revealed such an interpretation. So many so-called men and women of God tell lies in the name of God when it comes to interpreting the dreams of their followers. Recently, some prominent prophets have predicted the future or said things on the altar that proved false.
Of all the wise men and spiritual practitioners in the land, only Daniel could tell Nebuchadnezzar his exact dream and offer an interpretation. As St. Paul would say, there are a variety of gifts. Daniel’s gift was the ability to tell and interpret dreams. Try to discover your unique gift and be humble enough to admit when you do not have a particular gift; avoid deceiving others.
Daniel explained to the King the meaning of his dream – God was showing him what would happen. Coming to our Gospel passage, we also see Jesus talking about the future, the fact that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed and that many false prophets would come claiming they are the Christ.
As Jesus would advise us, we should not be so concerned about the future. Avoid running from one priest (or pastor) to another, hoping they would tell your future. Bear in mind that it is not every dream that is a revelation. God is not limited to dreams.
Do not be so concerned about knowing the future that you forget the present. Jesus says, “Yes, the world will end, but for now, just get busy.” Make full use of the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon you. Spread the kingdom of God so that upon His return, the Master may find you doing what He commanded and that your talents would have yielded abundant fruits.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me discover my gifts and use them judiciously as Daniel did. Amen.
Saint of the Day: Saint Laverius. He was the son of Achille in the 3rd Century. He was raised in a pagan family. He served as a soldier in the imperial Roman army. A convert to Christianity, he began preaching in the streets of Teggiano, Italy. By order of the prefect Agrippa, Laverius was arrested, tortured, and put on display for public abuse and ridicule. He was ordered to make sacrifices to pagan gods; he refused. He was then thrown to wild animals in the theatre, but instead of attacking him, they knelt before him. He was thrown back into his cell, but an angel freed him at night and ordered him to travel to Italy. He continued preaching when he got there and was later captured and executed.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give me the grace to stand out from the rest of the world. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu