🙏 OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
as we approach the end of the liturgical year, open our hearts to hear Your word with renewed clarity. Strengthen us to remain faithful amidst trials and distractions, and grant us the wisdom to recognize Your presence in every moment.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
📖 FIRST READING
Daniel 7:2–14
Source: https://bible.usccb.org
Summary of the text:
Daniel has a vision of four beasts arising from the sea—symbolic of earthly kingdoms. But above all earthly chaos, Daniel sees the Ancient of Days seated on a flaming throne. Then “One like a Son of Man” comes on the clouds and receives an everlasting kingdom.
Key Themes
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God’s kingship over all chaotic forces
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The coming of the Messiah
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Earthly kingdoms pass; God’s reign endures
CCC References
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CCC 664 – Christ seated at the right hand of the Father
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CCC 668–671 – Christ’s everlasting dominion
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CCC 440 – “Son of Man” title and Jesus’ identity
🎶 RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 93:1–2, 5
R: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
CCC Reference
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CCC 2096–2097 – Worship owed to God who reigns in majesty
📖 GOSPEL
Luke 21:29–33
Source: https://bible.usccb.org
Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree: when it buds, you know summer is near. In the same way, when signs appear, the Kingdom of God is near.
He concludes:
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Key Themes
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Spiritual vigilance
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God’s promises are permanent
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Scripture is unfailing truth
CCC References
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CCC 1042–1050 – Renewal of creation
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CCC 671 – The kingdom already present but not yet fulfilled
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CCC 214 – God’s word is trustworthy
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CCC 141 – Scripture as living Word of God
📘 SHORT EXPLANATION (Catechetical)
1. Daniel’s Vision — God is in control even when we cannot see it
Despite the terrifying imagery, the message is one of hope:
God rules history. No earthly power lasts forever.
The “Son of Man” points to Jesus Christ, who receives a kingdom that cannot be destroyed.
2. The Fig Tree — Discipleship requires awareness
Jesus teaches discernment. Nature gives signs of change; so does the spiritual life.
We are not meant to fear but to be awake.
3. “My words will never pass away” — Everything else fades
Careers, money, governments—even the material universe—will eventually fade. But the Word of God, the teachings of Jesus, remain eternally true.
🧭 APPLICATION (For Daily Living)
1. Stay rooted in God’s Word
Spend daily time in Scripture. The promises of Jesus are eternally reliable.
2. Discern the spiritual “seasons” in your life
Just as we know when rain is coming, we must also read the signs of our hearts:
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Are you drifting?
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Are you growing?
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Is God calling you to change?
3. Do not fear the future
The message is not doom, but confidence:
Christ’s kingdom is firm and unshakeable.
4. Live today with purpose
Knowing the Kingdom is near means we:
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love with urgency,
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forgive quickly,
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pray consistently,
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live with hope.
🙏 CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
help us to recognize Your presence in the signs around us and to trust completely in Your unchanging word. Strengthen our faith so we may live each day in readiness, love, and hope.
May Your Kingdom reign in our hearts forever. Amen.
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