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The BreadCast


Daily Exposition of the Readings for Catholic Mass...

as well as Prayers to the Saints on the General Roman Calendar (for the U.S.).  

From the books Our Daily Bread and Prayers to the Saints by James H. Kurt - both with imprimatur.

Nov 24, 2021

(Dn.6:12-28;   Dn.3:59,68-74;   Lk.21:20-28) 

“Your ransom is near at hand.”

“He is a deliverer and savior, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.”  And as “He delivered Daniel from the lions’ power,” so He shall save our souls from the destruction to come upon the face of the earth.

The king’s prayer is answered: “To Daniel he said, ‘May your God whom you serve so constantly, save you.’”  And when the lions’ mouths are closed because of David’s innocence before God and men, Darius in awe of the living God writes to the nations that the kingdom of the God of Daniel “shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be without end.”  Another pagan king is brought to his knees in truth…  “Praise and exalt Him above all forever”!  Indeed, “let the earth bless the Lord.”

But it is deliverance which is our theme today.  Daniel is delivered from certain death in the lions’ den, and our Lord speaks to us of the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the coming of the end of time – “Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” – and of our means of escape from annihilation.  Yes, we must flee the devastation that is near, flee to the mountains from the midst of the city, not linger behind in the land of Sodom as the angel comes to guide us to safety.  Indeed, we must lift our heads to the sky even as its powers are shaken and all comes crashing to the ground but the strength of our God.  For on that Day He will be made manifest, and on that Day, if we “stand up straight,” our deliverance from sin and the powers of this world will be joyously known by our eternal souls.  And we shall celebrate as did the king and Daniel upon the holy man’s removal from the lion’s den – and we shall praise the Almighty’s name with “nights and days,” with “lightnings and clouds,” with all the elements of the Lord’s universe.  Alleluia!

Fear not, brothers and sisters, “in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth.”  Even as you are called, so you must be – to be “clever as snakes and innocent as doves” (Mt.10:16).  Follow the saints’ examples in simple obedience to the Shepherd’s voice and, harboring no ill will toward your persecutors, be prepared to lay down your life if it be in the Lord’s will, knowing full well that He will rescue you.*

*  For this final thought I credit St. John Chrysostom and his wisdom, as found in this morning's Office of Readings.

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O LORD, you are coming with great power and glory –

praise your holy NAME!

YHWH, we need not fear that the lion’s mouth will close upon us.  Though the heavens be shaken and darkness cover the land, with your Son we may stand tall.  Anticipation of His coming, joy at the salvation He brings – the eternal peace that follows in His wake – will keep us strong on the Day of judgment.  From the den of the lion we shall be freed.

The end must come, we know, O LORD.  All these things must pass away.  May we stand in innocence before you on that day, and so live with you forever in your kingdom.  In this city let us not desire to remain, but with your Son let us fly to Heaven.

O LORD, let all hearts turn to you before that great and terrible Day; let even the kings of this world recognize you as the one true God.  Send your angels throughout the earth to work your wonders and save all holy souls from destruction.