Bible
Study: Daniel 7, 15 to 27. And Luke 21, 34
to 36.
For some
days now, our Gospel passages were taken from Luke, chapter 21. And honestly,
this is one chapter that contains a lot of scary predictions about the future.
We have hear Jesus say things like: “You will hear of wars and tumults…” “Nation
will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom… there will be earthquakes
and pestilences, and there will be terrors…” “They will persecute you…” “You
will be hated by all for my name’s sake…” “Alas for those who are with child…
Great distress shall be upon the earth… there will be signs in sun and moon and
stars…, men fainting with fear and foreboding.” Today, Jesus concludes it all
by telling us the reasons for his stern warnings and how we are to deal with
the end times. He says:
“Take heed
to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness
and cares of this life…. But watch at all times, praying that you may have
strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before
the Son of man.” Luke 21, 34 to 36.
As Jesus
himself point out here, what keeps us from growing in the spiritual life is our
attempt to take in all of the world forgetting that we really do not belong to
this world but are simply strangers and passers-by. This is what often leads us
to depression, sorrow and anxiety; dissipation, drunkenness and cares of this
life. The word DISSIPATION simply means “wasteful or thoughtless spending or
activity.” Dissipation can also mean a life of indulgence, in which health and
wealth are squandered in the pursuit of pleasure. Dissipation is a kind of self-indulgence,
excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites.” No matter how
much we try to satisfy our bodily appetites, we never seem to get enough and
the more we indulge our senses, the emptier we become within and the more we
find it difficult to pray.
Jesus says
that the only way to stand triumphant and victorious in the midst of all that
he has told us about the end time is WATCHING AND PRAYING AT ALL TIMES. To
watch means to stand guard, a watcher man never sleeps, he continuously anticipates
danger and does everything possible to prevent attack from the enemy. We too
must be conscious at all times like watcher man against the many temptations
that are bound to come our way. It is only when we are conscious spiritually that
we are able to discern that we are being tempted.
From the
words of Daniel in the first reading, it is clear that there are powers that
be, powers that are set to wage war against us as children of God. Daniel 7, 19 to 21. Then I desired to know the
truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest,
exceedingly terrible, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze; and which
devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet; and
concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came
up and before which three of them fell, the horn which had eyes and a mouth
that spoke great things, and which seemed greater than its fellows. As I
looked, this horn made war with the saints, and prevailed over them.
Dear
friends, do not be surprised when you hear of grave scandals even among people
who are supposed to be holy. Do not condemn or judge anyone or make a mockery
of them, do not conclude that all Christians are hypocrites. Instead, let the
words of Daniel today put you on guard, know that the spiritual life is a constant
battle. And the only way we can overcome and stay victorious is PRAYER. Listen to
the words of Jesus again: But watch at all times, praying that you may have
strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before
the Son of man. Did you get it? Pray that you may have strength to escape all
these things that will take place. Prayer is what give us strength.
If for
instance, you are finding it difficult to stop a particular sin, it is simply
because you lack the strength to do so. Like one suffering from paralysis, you
lack the power to move your body around. But prayer energises, it empowers, it
is like fuel for your bone marrows. You need it and you need it ALL THE TIME.
You need to be place your heart in the presence of God, never taking your gaze
from him, allow your thoughts to dwell on God constantly even as you move about
your daily activities. Then and then only, would you find true joy, true inspiration
and you will find that pleasure that the world and all its useless dissipations
cannot give. St. Augustine’s favourite quote remains true always: “Our hearts
are restless until they rest in God.” How do our hearts rest in God? By prayer!
Prayer is
the key.
Let us
Pray:
Lord
Jesus, help me to rid myself of worldliness, take my heart and let it be yours
always. Amen.
Good morning.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. Happy weekend.
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