Last week we read the First Book of Maccabees and the struggles 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.