Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Dn 2:31-45; Dn 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61; Lk 21:5-11
Notes: The first of three reflections on Nebuchadnezzar is found here: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/11/27/mighty-mite/
Which title is more accurate for this reflection? I can go back and change it later. Let me know in the comments.
- Thy Kingdom Come
- Man Proposes, God Disposes
Summary
In business we use this type of progressive elaboration. Dreams become visions which become goals which become strategies which become plans which, and finally, becomes an executed reality. In this dream/vision of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel plots out the message of the divine plan in the succession of earthly kingdoms.
The four successive kingdoms in this apocalyptic perspective are the Babylonian (gold), the Median (silver), the Persian (bronze), and the Hellenistic (iron). We live in another time so we can fill in the Romans and then the Coming of the Kingdom of the Messiah.
Another kingdom shall take your place, inferior to yours, then a third kingdom, of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall break in pieces and subdue all these others (NABRE Commentary).
The divine plans include the marvelous and best.
In the lifetime of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever. That is the meaning of the stone you saw hewn from the mountain without a hand being put to it, which broke in pieces the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold. The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is sure (Dn 2:44-45).”
Reflection
We watch the world disassemble and rule of law become but a facade of the interior corruption. That is true and we should pray for these things to reverse and get right again because the LORD does not wish our self-inflicted miseries. However, we also must realize that the rising and failing of kingdoms has been the fact of human endeavors. We must always look beyond that to the larger and more substantial.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. On earth as it is in Heaven.
God will not be thwarted in his plans.
Every kingdom, every nation, every community, every household and every person is given review and called to account how we treat each other. In the gospel portion tomorrow the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom is worked out. It was a seminal moment for him and so will it be for us.
Personal Reflection
This saying is a favorite for me: Man proposes, God disposes.
What shall then we propose? What is our standard?
There are six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him; Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that are quick to run to evil, The false witness who utters lies, and the one who sows discord among kindred (Pv 6:16).
It is too much.
‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out a portion of my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams (Acts 2:17).
Imagine then I start there. I will do better if I start there.
Dreams become visions which become goals which become strategies which become plans which, and finally, becomes an executed reality. In this dream/vision of Jesus, We plot out the message of the divine plan during the succession of earthly kingdoms.
That’s better.
First Reading
This was the dream; the interpretation we shall also give in the king’s presence.
Responsorial
Give glory and eternal praise to him.
Gospel Acclamation
Remain faithful until death, And I will give you the crown of life.
Gospel
Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
In the end, there is only God.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
“God willing,” was a reply my MIL, Becky, used to make. God disposes.
Amen and Always.