Persevere through time

Dan. 2:31-45, Lk. 21:5-11. In today's first reading, Nebuchadnezzar dream of a gigantic statue with its four main sections which represent the four great kingdoms that, in succession, ruled Israel: the Babylonians, Medes, Persians and the Greeks. The king saw a great statue made up of many parts and suddenly a great rock came to destroy the entire great statue and demolished the whole statue until nothing was left behind. This is to show that no matter how strong those empires were and how seemingly invincible, they can never be so strong to withstand the calamities that would come. When Daniel interpreted his dream, Nebuchadnezzar knew that none of these proud empires would remain forever. What truly last is what God achieves in our lives. This is the “kingdom that shall never be destroyed.” Human efforts, wealth and glory are fleeting, passing and temporary. We must understand that we are just custodians of the gifts of God and must use them for His service. To be endowed is a privilege we owe to God. The Temple and its adornment was to the people a mere structure for worship but more than that it was a gift from God to establish His presence among them. In today's Gospel, Jesus foretold many signs of God's action and judgement on the people because they refuse to accept it as a gift. He also speaks of the coming of difficult times; that we would have to endure pains, oppositions and obstacles even from those who were close and dear to us. We would have to bear and persevere through those times, facing false guides and leaders who would try to lead us to the wrong paths, amidst the pressures of the world to conform to the ways of sins. May the Lord help us to use His gifts generously and wisely that we may forever remain faithful all the days of our life! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!