22 Nov
Tue
34th Week in Ordinary Time
St Cecilia, virgin and martyr
Dan. 2:31-45
(R. Ps.) Dan. 3:57,58,59,60,61
Lk. 21:5-11
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

Last week we read the First Book of Maccabees and the struggle of the faithful Jews against King Antiochus. The same reality forms the background of the Book of Daniel. This prophetic book encourages faithful Jews to resist the tyranny that would destroy their faith and culture, their society and civilization.

It is a common tenet of ordinary wisdom that we should learn from history. In every age there are tyrants. Some of these tyrants are strong political parties which allow no freedom to others. In other cases the tyrant can be some minor government official, who seeks to impose his own ideals on colleagues and on members of the public. These officials even take it upon themselves to dictate to others in the matter of culture and religion, even in the matter of social manners. In interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel reminds us of the transience of all earthly and evil power. Jesus, too, speaks about transience. Even the magnificent Temple will be destroyed: the dwelling place of God on earth will be destroyed but the living God is beyond all destruction and all transience.



Lord, keep us faithful in the midst of a transient and hostile world, so that our lives may fill the earth with Your praise and glory.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That married people may imitate the example of conjugal holiness shown by so many couples in the ordinary conditions of life.
Elaboration

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