The passages from the Book of the Prophet Daniel are related. One would do well to read the chapter in its entirety, however, suffice it to say the First Reading gives us the beginning and the end, while the Responsorial Psalm is the taken from the middle of the chapter (the Psalm is the song the men sang in the midst of the flames). The prophet Daniel lived during the Babylonian Exile and because of his ability to predict the future, a grace sometimes given to prophets, King Nebuchadnezzar…
Our readings today focus us, through faith, on the certainty of hope. Hope is one of the theological virtues, a supernatural gift from God, a grace through which we trust that God has given us eternal life. The passage from Ezekiel is a foreshadowing of our future resurrection from the dead. He prophecies: “Thus says the Lord God: O my people, I will open your graves and have your rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel.” The prophet speaks words of hope for restoration, a…
Today’s passage from the Book of Wisdom is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ public life. He is the Just One, who corrects evildoers and exposes their shame. That is why the authorities in Jerusalem were trying to kill him. They did not accept that Jesus was the Christ, God’s anointed. But, they did not lay a hand on him. So, the inhabitants of Jerusalem ask a simple question that ought to stir in our hearts as well. They say, “Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?” Might it be…
Have you ever wrestled with God? I’m sure we have wrestled with one another, especially during this time being stuck indoors. But, have we ever wrestled with God the way we might go at it with one another? The readings today are packed full of imagery and meaning, and interestingly enough, both are presented in the form of a trial.
