#Nebuchadnezzar restored

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Nebuchadnezzar’s Letter

1 From King Nebuchadnezzar:

To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell on the entire earth:

May your peace and prosperity increase.

2 It seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God did for me.

3 How great are his signs! How mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and his dominion extends from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar Seeks the Meaning of His Dream

4 When I, Nebuchadnezzar, was carefree in my house and prospering in my palace, 5 I saw a dream that frightened me. The images I saw while I was on my bed and the visions in my head alarmed me. 6 So I issued a decree to bring before me all of the wise men of Babylon so that they could give the interpretation of the dream and make it known to me. 7 Then the magicians, the spell casters, the astrologers, and the diviners came, and I told them the dream. However, they could not make its meaning known to me. 8 Afterward, Daniel came before me (whose name is Belteshazzar, like the name of my god, and a spirit of the holy gods dwells in him), and I told him the dream.

9 Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that a spirit of the holy gods dwells in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you, take a look at the dream I saw and interpret it for me. 10 I was seeing visions in my head while I was on my bed:

There was a tree standing in the middle of the earth, and its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong. Its height reached to heaven, and it was visible to the ends of the whole earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, and its fruit was plentiful. On it there was enough food for all. Under the tree the wild animals had shade, and the birds of the air lived in its branches. All living creatures fed themselves from it.

13 I was on my bed, watching the visions in my head, and I saw a watcher, who was a holy one, come down from heaven. 14 He called out loudly, and this is what he said:

Chop down the tree and cut off its branches. Strip its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it, and the birds from its branches. 15 However, leave the stump with its root in the ground, with an iron and bronze band around it. Leave it with the grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew from the sky. Let its place be with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let its mind be changed from that of a human, let the mind of an animal be given to it, and let seven times pass over it.

17 The proclamation is a decree of the watchers, and the matter is a command of the holy ones, so that all the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men. He gives them to whomever he wishes, and he appoints the lowliest men over them.

18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, you, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, because none of the wise men of my kingdom are able to make the meaning known to me. But you are able, because a spirit of the holy gods is in you.

Daniel Explains Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was horrified for a moment, and his thoughts troubled him. The king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream and its meaning trouble you.”

Belteshazzar answered, “My Lord, if only the dream were about your enemies and its meaning about your foes!”

20 The tree which you saw grew and became strong. Its height reached to heaven, and it was visible to the whole earth. 21 Its leaves were beautiful, and its fruit was abundant. On it there was food for all. The wild animals lived under it, and the birds of the air lived in its branches.

22 You are the tree, Your Majesty. For you have grown, and you have become great. Your greatness has increased and reached to heaven. Your dominion reaches to the ends of the earth. 23 And you, Your Majesty, saw a watcher, who was a holy one, coming down from heaven, and he said, “Chop down the tree and destroy it. However, leave the stump with its roots in the ground, with an iron and bronze band around it. Let it be with the grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew from the sky. Its place will be with the wild animals, until seven times pass over it.”

24 This is the interpretation, Your Majesty:

It is a decree of the Most High that has come upon my lord, the king. 25 You will be driven away from humans, and your dwelling will be with the wild animals. You will have to eat plants as bulls do, and you will be wet with the dew from the sky. Seven times will pass over you until you know that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men, and he gives them to whomever he wishes. 26 Because they said to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will remain yours when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

27 Therefore, Your Majesty, let my advice be pleasing to you. Break away from your sins with righteousness and from your guilty deeds by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps your prosperity will be extended.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Is Fulfilled

28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on top of the palace of his kingdom in Babylon. 30 The king said, “Isn’t this the great Babylon that I built for a royal residence by my mighty power and my majestic glory?”

31 While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice came down from heaven. It said, “It is announced to you, King Nebuchadnezzar: The kingdom has been taken away from you. 32 You will be driven away from humans, and your dwelling will be with the wild animals. Grass will be fed to you as grass is fed to bulls, and seven times will pass over you until you know that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men, and he gives them to whomever he wishes.”

33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar, and he was driven away from humans. So he ate grass as bulls do, and his body was wet with the dew from the sky until his hair grew long like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

34 At the end of the set time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. So I blessed the Most High, and I praised and glorified the one who lives forever, because his dominion is an eternal dominion, and his kingdom lasts forever and ever. 35 All of the inhabitants of the earth are considered to be nothing, and he does as he wishes with the army of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. So there is no one who can hold back the hand of the Most High and say to him, “What have you done?” 36 At that time my reason returned to me, and my splendor and glory returned to me for the honor of my kingdom. So my advisors and nobles looked for me. I was reinstated over my kingdom, and I became even more majestic than I was before. 37 Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of Heaven, because all his works are true, and his ways are just. All those who walk in arrogance he is able to humble. — Daniel 4 | Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 40:12; Genesis 41:8; Genesis 41:15; Genesis 41:24; Genesis 41:38; Exodus 18:11; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 9:1; Deuteronomy 33:2; 2 Samuel 12:7; 2 Chronicles 33:12-13; Ezra 4:17; Job 14:7; Job 40:11-12; Psalm 30:6; Psalm 77:19; Psalm 83:18; Proverbs 29:23; Ezekiel 31:3; Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 2:1; Daniel 2:18-19; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 8:13; Daniel 11:13; Matthew 3:10; Matthew 13:32; Luke 1:33; John 4:48; Acts 8:22; Romans 9:19-20; Romans 13:1; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 4:9-10; Revelation 14:8

[letspraynow]

A look at God's grace.

Pay attention to your dreams.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27) In this study, we are going to take a look at God’s grace and patience. We are going to take a look at a letter in the Bible, which is located in the Old Testament. Many of us know about the letters that the Apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament, but this one was written in the Old…

[carltonblaylock]

Nebuchadnezzar’s Restoration

Daniel 4:34-37 34And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. 35All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of…

[kdmiller55]

Lord of All

17 In the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me: 18 “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army labor hard against Tyre. Every head was made bald, and every shoulder was rubbed bare, yet neither he nor his army got anything from Tyre to pay for the labor that he had performed against her. 19 Therefore thus says the…

[alatismeni-theitsa]

Alexander the Great in Greek Art

Alexander the Great (as per the official statement of the restorers). At. Demetrius Church, Palatitsia by unknown artist, 1570

Aigai was the original capital of the Macedonian Kingdom and the place where Philip II was killed. Although the capital was later transferred to Pella, Aigai remained the burial place for the Macedonian kings. The little church still maintains part of the ancient history alive as its interior bears incorporated architectural elements from the palace of Philip II. Alexander is depicted as a representative of the “Kingdom of the Greeks” -one of the four kingdoms that predate the end of times according to the prophet Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar II’s eschatological dream. Alexander the Great in Byzantine art:

Note, 7th painting because it shows a very important concept in Byzantine understanding of their past: Next to Alexander the "βασιλεύς των Ελλήνων" (emperor/king of the Hellenes/Greeks), you can see Octavian "βασιλεύς των Ρωμαίων" (emperor of the Romans/Byzantines). Alexander and Octavian Augustus were the most important historical rulers of the future Christian Romans (our so-called "Byzantines) before the reign of Constantine the Great.

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[mapsontheweb]

West Asian empires in the 6th century BC

“TaschenAtlas – Weltgeschichte”, Klett-Perthes Verlag, 2004

via cartesdhistoire

According to Herodotus ("Histories", Book I), Deioces became king of the Medes in 701 BCE in western Iran. He united the six Median tribes and repelled Assyria's influence from his capital, Ecbatana. His grandson Cyaxares destroyed the Assyrian Empire with the help of the Babylonians (612 BCE), and then they divided its remnants. Cyaxares also destroyed the kingdoms of the Mannaeans and Urartu and advanced into Asia Minor, where the Halys River became the border with Lydia (585 BCE). His son Astyages succumbed to the Persians in 550 BCE, and Media became a satrapy.

In western Media, Nabopolassar founded the Chaldean dynasty ruling over the Neo-Babylonian Empire (625-539 BCE). His son Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BCE) restored Babylonian greatness and built the Temple of Marduk (the biblical Tower of Babel) in his capital, as well as the fortifications known as the "Median Wall," palaces, and the Hanging Gardens (on terraces). In 539 BCE, the Persians seized Babylon.

Achaemenid Persian Cyrus II conquered the Median Empire, Lydia (546 BCE), Babylon (539 BCE), and the Greek cities of western Asia Minor, Bactria, and Sogdia (529 BCE). His son Cambyses II subjugated Egypt and the Greek cities of Cyrenaica (525 BCE). The Persians then adopted the Assyrian concept of an empire uniting all the peoples of the world under one great king ("King of Kings"). Darius I conquered the Indus Valley in 512 BCE and occupied Thrace and Macedonia (513 BCE).

The Assyrians and Chaldeans had already begun to politically and civilly unify much of the Middle East, and the Persians continued this tradition. Thus, Aramaic, already used as a language of communication, was adopted as the language of Persian administration.

Despite its power, the history of the Achaemenids is poorly known because the scribes used parchment or papyrus; apart from rare royal inscriptions, there are few accounts from reluctant subjects or passionate opponents.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

5th August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Monday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Monday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading Jeremiah 28:1-17 The Lord has not sent you, and you have raised false confidence in this people.

In the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah, son of Azzur, from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people: “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will restore to this place all the vessels of the temple of the LORD which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took away from this place to Babylon. And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah, son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’” The prophet Jeremiah answered the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people assembled in the house of the LORD, and said: Amen! thus may the LORD do! May he fulfill the things you have prophesied by bringing the vessels of the house of the LORD and all the exiles back from Babylon to this place! But now, listen to what I am about to state in your hearing and the hearing of all the people. From of old, the prophets who were before you and me prophesied war, woe, and pestilence against many lands and mighty kingdoms. But the prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the LORD only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled. Thereupon the prophet Hananiah took the yoke from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it, and said in the presence of all the people: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Even so, within two years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, from off the neck of all the nations.’” At that, the prophet Jeremiah went away. Some time after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Go tell Hananiah this: Thus says the LORD: By breaking a wooden yoke, you forge an iron yoke! For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: A yoke of iron I will place on the necks of all these nations serving Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and they shall serve him; even the beasts of the field I give him. To the prophet Hananiah the prophet Jeremiah said: Hear this, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, and you have raised false confidence in this people. For this, says the LORD, I will dispatch you from the face of the earth; this very year you shall die, because you have preached rebellion against the LORD. That same year, in the seventh month, Hananiah the prophet died.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for in your ordinances is my hope.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Let those turn to me who fear you and acknowledge your decrees.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Let my heart be perfect in your statutes, that I be not put to shame.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Sinners wait to destroy me, but I pay heed to your decrees.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

From your ordinances I turn not away, for you have instructed me.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 4:4

Alleluia, alleluia. One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over– twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-------------------------

Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Monday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Revelation 21:1-5a I saw a new Jerusalem, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18bcde, 19

R/ You are the highest honor of our race.

Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the LORD God, the creator of heaven and earth.

R/ You are the highest honor of our race.

Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.

R/ You are the highest honor of our race.

Gospel Acclamation Luke 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 11:27-28 Blessed is the womb that carried you.

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[todaysjewishholiday]

10 Tammuz 5784 (15-16 July 2024)

The monarchy of Judah began when Dovid HaMelekh replaced Shaul ben Kish as king of Israel, and then separated from the monarchy of Israel in the time of Dovid’s grandson Rechab’am, around the year 2828. It ended twenty kings and 345 years later on the tenth of Tammuz 3173 when the Babylonian army of Nebuchadnezzar the Second deposed Tzidkiyahu, the last descendant of David to ever rule as a monarch in Jerusalem.

Tzidkiyahu had been placed on the throne by Babylonian forces who had deposed his nephew after a failed revolt by Judah against its status as a tributary state of Babylon. Tzidkiyahu swore fealty to Nebuchadnezzar II, but soon violated his oath and sought the support of Egypt’s Pharoahs for another rebellion against the Babylonians six years into his reign. The Egyptians did not provide the promised support, and the Babylonian army began a brutal siege of the capital of Judah and most sacred city of the Israelites.

When the Babylonians breached Jerusalem’s walls on the ninth of Tammuz, Tzidkiyahu fled the city, hoping to escape, but was captured the next day on the plains outside Jericho. He was then taken to Nebuchadnezzar II’s camp at Riblah and forced to watch the murder of his sons, then was blinded and taken to the Babylonian capital as a prisoner. The counselors and courtiers who had encouraged the policy of revolt were also put to death in the Babylonian camp.

Tzidkiyahu’s death, and the slaughter of his family, put an end to the dynasty of the kings of Judah, but not to the hope of an eventual restoration of the monarchy. In the Babylonian exile, prophecies and songs expressing hope for a righteous king of Judah were reinterpreted as predictions of the eventual reestablishment of the dynasty by one of Dovid’s descendants. A good king who would avoid all the pitfalls that earlier kings of Judah had foundered in, and who would restore the Beis HaMikdash and ensure Jewish autonomy from foreign occupation. This hoped for future king came to be known by the name of the priestly ritual that had elevated the kings of Judah to the throne— Mashiach, or anointing. Centuries of occupation by a series of empires following the Babylonian exile only deepened this hope and the mythology surrounding it.

Mashiach went from being a common term for any anointed person or object to referring specifically to the hope of redemptive liberation through the efforts of a righteous heir to the throne of Judah. While Jewish monarchies such as the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties were established after the exiles returned, none of the kings had either the right lineage or political accomplishments to be accepted as the special good king who would free the people from oppression. Numerous messianic claimants have presented themselves in the millenia since Tzidkiyahu was dethroned, but none have brought about the hoped for national redemption.

[freebiblestudyhub]

How many kings did Daniel serve?

The biblical figure of Daniel is one of the most revered and significant characters in the Old Testament, known for his wisdom, faithfulness, and integrity. He was a key figure in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Daniel, a prophetic and historical text that highlights his life and ministry in exile. One of the fascinating aspects of Daniel’s life is the number of kings he served during his time in Babylonian captivity and beyond.

The Book of Daniel mentions several rulers under whom he lived and served, but a critical question remains: How many kings did Daniel serve? This question is not only of historical interest but also theological significance, as it sheds light on the role Daniel played in the unfolding of God's plan for the Jewish people in a time of exile.

In this article, we will explore the kings Daniel served, focusing on the biblical narrative, the historical context, and the theological implications of his service under these kings.

The Biblical Account of Daniel’s Service

1. Daniel’s Early Life and Exile

Daniel was taken into exile in Babylon during the first wave of deportations from Judah in 605 BC, after the Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem. Daniel, along with his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—was chosen to serve in the Babylonian court because of his noble lineage and intelligence (Daniel 1:3-6). In Babylon, Daniel was renamed Belteshazzar, which was the Babylonian equivalent of his Hebrew name.

The book of Daniel begins with the story of his education and training under Nebuchadnezzar’s court officials, during which Daniel and his companions distinguished themselves through their wisdom and faithfulness to God (Daniel 1:17-20). This marks the beginning of Daniel’s long service in the Babylonian court.

2. Nebuchadnezzar: The First King

Nebuchadnezzar’s Reign

The first and most prominent king that Daniel served was King Nebuchadnezzar II, who reigned from 605 to 562 BC. Nebuchadnezzar was the powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, responsible for its expansion and for the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Daniel’s service under Nebuchadnezzar is the most extensively documented in the Book of Daniel, with several key interactions between them.

Daniel’s Service to Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel’s relationship with Nebuchadnezzar is highlighted by several important events, including:

Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Daniel 2): When Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret, Daniel, with God's help, provided an accurate interpretation. He explained that the dream foretold the rise and fall of empires, including the Babylonian Empire.

The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3): While Daniel himself is not directly mentioned in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, his three companions were loyal to God, and their miraculous survival in the fiery furnace was a testament to the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humbling (Daniel 4): Nebuchadnezzar had another dream, which Daniel interpreted as a warning that the king would be humbled by God and would lose his sanity for a period of time. The dream was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar lived as a madman in the wilderness for seven years before being restored to his throne.

Daniel’s wisdom and integrity earned him high positions of authority in Nebuchadnezzar’s administration. He was made a governor over the province of Babylon and served as a key advisor to the king.

3. Belshazzar: The Second King

Belshazzar’s Reign

After Nebuchadnezzar’s death, the Babylonian Empire was passed to a series of less capable rulers. The next king mentioned in the Book of Daniel is Belshazzar, the last ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Belshazzar is often thought of as the son or grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, though the exact nature of his relationship to Nebuchadnezzar is debated by historians. Belshazzar ruled Babylon co-regently with his father, Nabonidus, but was the de facto ruler in the capital.

Daniel’s Service to Belshazzar

Daniel’s service under Belshazzar is most notably recorded in Daniel 5, the famous "writing on the wall" episode. During a banquet in which Belshazzar used sacred Jewish vessels to praise pagan gods, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote a cryptic message on the wall. None of the Babylonian wise men could interpret the writing, so Daniel was summoned.

The Interpretation of the Writing (Daniel 5:25-28): Daniel, by the power of God, interpreted the message, revealing that Belshazzar’s reign was about to end. The words written on the wall—"Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin"—indicated that God had judged Belshazzar and found his kingdom wanting. That very night, Belshazzar was killed, and the Persian Empire, led by King Darius, conquered Babylon.

Daniel’s role in this event demonstrated not only his continued wisdom but also his unwavering faithfulness to God, even as the Babylonian Empire crumbled.

4. Darius the Mede: The Third King

The Rise of the Medo-Persian Empire

After the fall of Babylon, the Persian king Cyrus the Great took control of the city, but the Book of Daniel refers to Darius the Mede (Daniel 5:31; 6:1). Darius’s exact historical identity is debated, with some scholars suggesting that he might have been a title for Cyrus or a governor appointed by him. Darius's reign is more of a transitional period, but he played a key role in the events involving Daniel.

Daniel’s Service to Darius

Under Darius’s reign, Daniel was appointed as one of three high officials who were responsible for overseeing the kingdom. Daniel distinguished himself with his exceptional ability, which led to jealousy among the other administrators.

The Lion’s Den (Daniel 6): The most famous story from Daniel’s service under Darius is the incident involving the lion’s den. Daniel’s enemies, jealous of his prominence, convinced Darius to issue a decree that anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the lion’s den. Despite the decree, Daniel continued to pray to God, and he was subsequently thrown into the den of lions. God miraculously protected Daniel, and he emerged unharmed, leading to Darius's decree that all in his kingdom should worship the God of Daniel.

Daniel’s faithfulness to God during this period and his miraculous deliverance served as a powerful testimony to both the Persian king and the surrounding nations.

5. Cyrus the Great: The Fourth King

Cyrus the Great and the Fall of Babylon

After the death of Darius, the Persian king Cyrus the Great became the sole ruler of the Persian Empire. It was under Cyrus that the Persian Empire reached its greatest extent, and his reign marked the end of the Babylonian captivity for the Jewish people.

Daniel’s Service to Cyrus

The Book of Daniel briefly mentions Cyrus in Daniel 6:28, noting that Daniel continued to prosper under the reign of Cyrus. However, Daniel’s role in the Persian Empire is not as detailed as it was under Nebuchadnezzar or Darius.

Cyrus is most famously remembered for issuing the decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). Although this decree is not directly linked to Daniel, it marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the Jewish people back to their homeland after seventy years of exile.

Conclusion: How Many Kings Did Daniel Serve?

Based on the biblical narrative, Daniel served under at least four kings:

King Nebuchadnezzar – The first and most prominent king, under whom Daniel’s wisdom and faith were most significantly demonstrated.

King Belshazzar – The last king of Babylon, under whom Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall, marking the end of the Babylonian Empire.

King Darius the Mede – A Persian ruler who oversaw the transition from Babylonian to Persian control, under whom Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den.

King Cyrus the Great – The Persian king who allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem, under whose reign Daniel continued to serve.

These kings played pivotal roles in the historical and prophetic narrative of Daniel’s life. The shifting political landscape from the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire serves as the backdrop for Daniel’s faithful service to God, his remarkable wisdom, and his steadfast integrity. Through his interactions with these kings, Daniel’s life becomes a testimony of God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers and the fulfillment of divine promises, even in the midst of exile and turmoil.

While the Book of Daniel does not give extensive details about Daniel’s life under each king, the four kings he served under are integral to understanding the scope of his ministry and the broader theological message of the book. Daniel's unwavering faith and his role in these kingdoms make him a timeless example of godliness and righteousness in the face of adversity.

[sprites4ever]

Quick German History Lesson

Over a thousand years ago, the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He dreamt of a statue of clay, iron, silver and gold. Clueless as to the meaning of this dream, he asked his Jewish dream interpreter David, who told him that the four materials represented the four world empires, his being the golden one. If all empires were to fall, so would the world.

One of those four empires, the Roman one, outlasted all others and when it fell, people were scared. Believing the story about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, they thought that the Roman empire was the last. So, the Christian church took advantage, granting itself divine right over Western Europe by creating an alliance of spiritual rulers in many Western European kingdoms, called the Holy Roman Empire, in order to present itself as continuing the Roman empire.

Later, when a German was made Emperor by the church, it was renamed to Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

When the church lost power in the early nineteenth century, the Holy Roman Empire was downgraded to the Rhine Alliance, a spiritual alliance of German kingdoms on the Rhine river.

After the Napoleonic wars, after Napoleon had breezed through taking over German kingdoms and whose soldiers were then stopped by the russian winter (Tsar Alexander I claimed the effort for himself, when in reality, the French quite simply froze), all European monarchs hasted to restore the old, pre-Napoleonic order. Due to their defeat by Napoleon’s patriotic soldiers, Germans took a strong liking to democratic and nationalist movements, but at the Vienna Congress, where said monarchs negotiated on how to restore the old order and keep down democracy, the Germans were appeased, as their Rhine Alliance was upgraded into the meaningless German Alliance, instead of being recognized as a nation.

Frustrated, Germany declared itself an empire in 1871.

At the turn of the 20th century, European monarchies were dying. Their form of leadership just could not satisfy their citizens anymore, who wanted to reap the fruits of their slavish factory work.

Fearing for their power, the old monarchs upped colonialism with the horrific scramble for Africa, in order to get as much land and resources as possible, to try and stay ahead of the other monarchies.

This fear of internal revolution made the monarchs more outwardly aggressive, building up their armies and making complex alliances.

One way or another, if through Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip's assassination of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, or through something else, all those dying and industrialized monarchies were bound to have a war.

In a twist of cruel irony, the monarch's fear of their demise caused their demise, as the destruction brought upon by their war was the final nail in the coffin of European monarchy.

Having been made to pay massive reparations, the newly formed democratic Weimar Republic of Germany was struck particularly hard.

Using the rise in popularity of fascism and antisemitism at the time, as well as the terrible economy of the Weimar Republic, Austrian madman Adolf Hitler had little difficulty blaming the situation in Germany on Jews and on democracy, turning Germany into the military dictatorship that started WWII and committed the Holocaust.

After the war's end and Hitler's suicide, Germany was occupied by the Western allies and the Soviet Union. The Western allies realized that Germany's loss of WWI had facilitated Hitler's rise to power, deciding to rebuild and denazify their occupation zone out of their pockets, then letting it have a democratic government, the Federal Republic of Germany. Meanwhile, the Soviets transformed their occupation zone into another Soviet Republic, the German Democratic Republic.

As the Soviet Union collapsed, the two Germanys were reunited and so, we arrive at the present day.

[marysittingathisfeet]

The Book of Habbakuk

I just started the Book of Habakkuk and I wanted some background information. Of course Habakkuk (let's call him Habby (name too long) is one of the minor prophets found in the Old Testament.

The book consists of three chapters with three different messages.

Chapter 1- A discussion between God and Habakkuk

Chapter 2- An oracle of woe. There is a taunting riddle in this chapter from verse 6-20. It is a short parable with a moral lesson. The riddle is 15 verses long from verse 6 to verse 20 and is divided into five woes of three verses each.

Chapter 3-A psalm, "Habakkuk's song"

No one knows when the book was written. Nahum and Zephaniah are considered contemporaries. It is believed the book was written round the time Jehoiakim died. The Babylonians were marching towards Jerusalem, Jehoiakim was killed by Nebuchadnezzar, his body thrown outside the wall. Jehoiakim's eighteen-year-old son  Jehoiachin assumed the throne. The reason this is believed is because of the following verses...

“Look at the nations and watch—     and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days     that you would not believe,     even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians,     that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth     to seize dwellings not their own. Habbakuk 1: 5-6

Habby then describes intimately how the Babylonians are seen by the surrounding nations.

They are a feared and dreaded people;     they are a law to themselves     and promote their own honor. Their horses are swifter than leopards,     fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong;     their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour; they all come intent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind     and gather prisoners like sand.  They mock kings     and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities;     by building earthen ramps they capture them.  Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—     guilty people, whose own strength is their god.” Habbakuk 1:7-11

Now the Babylonians did build up a ramp to conquer Jerusalem after the other city states fell to the Babylonians 1 by 1. Habbakuk describes in detail the cruelty of the Babylonians.

You have made people like the fish in the sea,     like the sea creatures that have no ruler. The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks,     he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet;     and so he rejoices and is glad. Therefore he sacrifices to his net     and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury     and enjoys the choicest food. Is he to keep on emptying his net,     destroying nations without mercy? Habakkuk 1: 14-17

The people of Judah and the surrounding countries must have been terrified. It surely did seem that God had deserted them. Maybe they were now just becoming aware of how much God had protected them. He does the same for us. Often we are unaware of his protection.

It is thought that Habby may have been a Levite, a singer, and temple prophet because Habby writes for the director of music with stringed instruments such as harps and lyres.

It was King David who set up the temple worship. We see in 1 chronicles that...

"David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals." 1 Chronicles 25:1

Habby declares in Chapter 3 that the preceding verses were written and played on stringed instruments.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;     he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,     he enables me to tread on the heights.

For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. Habakkuk 3: 19

Interestingly enough Rabbinic Tradition (not Biblical) teaches that Habby was the Shunammite woman's son, who was restored to life by  Elisha is 2 Kings 4:32-36

When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite.” And he did. When she came, he said, “Take your son.” 

Nice thought if it is true. But we wont know for sure on this side of heaven. So understanding the history of the book, helps to understand the book.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Bonds and Yokes

1 At the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD. 2 This is what the LORD said to me:

“Make for yourself a yoke out of leather straps and put it on your neck. 3 Send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. 4 Give them a message from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to relay to their masters:

5 By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. 6 So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. 7 All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.

8 As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.

9 But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ 10 For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish. 11 But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.”

12 And to Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke the same message: “Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and live! 13 Why should you and your people die by sword and famine and plague, as the LORD has decreed against any nation that does not serve the king of Babylon?

14 Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying to you a lie. 15 For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”

16 Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie. 17 Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city become a ruin?

18 If they are indeed prophets and the word of the LORD is with them, let them now plead with the LORD of Hosts that the articles remaining in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, not be taken to Babylon.

19 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says about the pillars, the sea, the bases, and the rest of the articles that remain in this city, 20 which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem. 21 Yes, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about the articles that remain in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem: 22 ‘They will be carried to Babylon and will remain there until the day I attend to them again,’ declares the LORD. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.’ ” — Jeremiah 27 | Majority Standard Bible (MSB) The Majority Standard Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 1:25; Exodus 22:18; 1 Samuel 7:8; 1 Kings 7:15; 2 Kings 24:13; 2 Kings 24:18; 2 Chronicles 25:16; 2 Chronicles 36:20; Ezra 1:7; Proverbs 8:36; Isaiah 23:4; Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 7:34; Jeremiah 17:4; Jeremiah 20:5; Jeremiah 21:9; Jeremiah 24:10; Jeremiah 28:10; Matthew 1:11-12; Acts 17:26; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Ephesians 5:6

[yhwhrulz]

Wayside Chapel Daily Devotional 12th October 2024

10/12 Daniel 4:37

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

After two experiences that showed Nebuchadnezzar that the God of Israel was the God of gods, he was warned in a dream that God was going to humble him to show him that God sets up whom He chooses as king. It was about year later when the king was surveying his kingdom and thinking how amazing he was that a voice came from heaven telling him the time had come. He lost his mind and wandered about like an animal eating grass.

To really bring the point home, God, through Daniel, told the king that the kingdom would be restored to him after seven years. Just as God foretold, the king's senses returned to him and amazingly he was restored to his position as king. Who would think it possible that a madman who wandered about like an animal would again become king over the greatest nation on earth at the time? The king now knew how lowly he really was and how great God truly is.

Look at the lengths God went to save this Gentile king! Does He do any less for anyone that has been born? If God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23), will He not go to great lengths to see that everyone knows the choice they are making? And yet, God tells us that there are few that enter the narrow way (Matthew 7:14).

Consider: Everything you have and achieve is because of God's enabling power. We should never say within ourselves, "Look what I have accomplished," lest we face a great humbling like this king experienced. Give God all the glory!

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of Monday, August 5, 2024

Reading 1

JER 28:1-17

In the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah, son of Azzur, from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people: “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will restore to this place all the vessels of the temple of the LORD which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took away from this place to Babylon. And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah, son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”

The prophet Jeremiah answered the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people assembled in the house of the LORD, and said: Amen! thus may the LORD do! May he fulfill the things you have prophesied by bringing the vessels of the house of the LORD and all the exiles back from Babylon to this place! But now, listen to what I am about to state in your hearing and the hearing of all the people. From of old, the prophets who were before you and me prophesied war, woe, and pestilence against many lands and mighty kingdoms. But the prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the LORD only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled.

Thereupon the prophet Hananiah took the yoke from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it, and said in the presence of all the people: “Thus says the LORD:  ‘Even so, within two years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, from off the neck of all the nations.’” At that, the prophet Jeremiah went away.

Some time after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Go tell Hananiah this:   Thus says the LORD: By breaking a wooden yoke, you forge an iron yoke! For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: A yoke of iron I will place on the necks of all these nations serving Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and they shall serve him; even the beasts of the field I give him.

To the prophet Hananiah the prophet Jeremiah said: Hear this, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, and you have raised false confidence in this people. For this, says the LORD, I will dispatch you from the face of the earth; this very year you shall die, because you have preached rebellion against the LORD. That same year, in the seventh month, Hananiah the prophet died.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102

R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for in your ordinances is my hope. R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Let those turn to me who fear you and acknowledge your decrees. R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Let my heart be perfect in your statutes, that I be not put to shame. R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Sinners wait to destroy me, but I pay heed to your decrees. R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

From your ordinances I turn not away, for you have instructed me. R./ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel

MT 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over– twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

[kdmiller55]

Good News and Bad News

Good News and Bad News

18 The word of the Lord came to me again: 19 “As for you, son of man, mark two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come. Both of them shall come from the same land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to a city. 20 Mark a way for the sword to come to Rabbah of the Ammonites and to Judah, into Jerusalem the fortified. 21 For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the…

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Mon Aug 05th, 2024 ... Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

---------

Jer 28:1-17

In the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah,

in the fifth month of the fourth year,

the prophet Hananiah, son of Azzur, from Gibeon,

said to me in the house of the LORD

in the presence of the priests and all the people:

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:

‘I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.

Within two years I will restore to this place

all the vessels of the temple of the LORD which Nebuchadnezzar,

king of Babylon, took away from this place to Babylon. 

And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah,

son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah,

and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the LORD,

‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”

The prophet Jeremiah answered the prophet Hananiah 

in the presence of the priests and all the people assembled

in the house of the LORD, and said:

Amen! thus may the LORD do!

May he fulfill the things you have prophesied

by bringing the vessels of the house of the LORD

and all the exiles back from Babylon to this place!

But now, listen to what I am about to state in your hearing

and the hearing of all the people.

From of old, the prophets who were before you and me prophesied

war, woe, and pestilence against many lands and mighty kingdoms.

But the prophet who prophesies peace

is recognized as truly sent by the LORD

only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled.

Thereupon the prophet Hananiah took the yoke

from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it,

and said in the presence of all the people:

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Even so, within two years

I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,

from off the neck of all the nations.’”

At that, the prophet Jeremiah went away.

Some time after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke

from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah,

The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah:

Go tell Hananiah this:  

Thus says the LORD:

By breaking a wooden yoke, you forge an iron yoke!

For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:

A yoke of iron I will place on the necks

of all these nations serving Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,

and they shall serve him; even the beasts of the field I give him.

To the prophet Hananiah the prophet Jeremiah said:

Hear this, Hananiah!

The LORD has not sent you,

and you have raised false confidence in this people.

For this, says the LORD, I will dispatch you from the face of the earth;

this very year you shall die,

because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.

That same year, in the seventh month, Hananiah the prophet died.

Responsorial Psalm

---------------

PS 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102

R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.

Remove from me the way of falsehood,

and favor me with your law.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Take not the word of truth from my mouth,

for in your ordinances is my hope.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Let those turn to me who fear you

and acknowledge your decrees.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Let my heart be perfect in your statutes,

that I be not put to shame.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Sinners wait to destroy me,

but I pay heed to your decrees.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

From your ordinances I turn not away,

for you have instructed me.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Alleluia

--------

Mt 4:4

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

One does not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

---------

Mt 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,

he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.

The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,

his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,

"This is a deserted place and it is already late;

dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages

and buy food for themselves."

He said to them, "There is no need for them to go away;

give them some food yourselves."

But they said to him,

"Five loaves and two fish are all we have here."

Then he said, "Bring them here to me,"

and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,

he said the blessing, broke the loaves,

and gave them to the disciples,

who in turn gave them to the crowds.

They all ate and were satisfied,

and they picked up the fragments left over–

twelve wicker baskets full.

Those who ate were about five thousand men,

not counting women and children.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Today’s readings begin in the court of Zedekiah, king of Judah.  Zedekiah was a young king who had been installed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. We learn in the preceding chapter that the Lord had chosen to use Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of judgment, allowing him to rule over His people for a time.  Jeremiah is told to form a yoke and to put it on his shoulders as a sign of the fealty that nations would owe to this foreign king. Jeremiah was told to warn the people not to listen to their local prophets, diviners, and soothsayers, who might provide a rosier picture of the future.  “They prophesy lies to you!”  (Jer. 27:9, 14). 

Thus we find Hananiah, one of those local prophets bearing a message of future triumph, directly contradicting Jeremiah.  Jeremiah’s immediate response is both measured and wise: “From of old, prophets who were before you and me prophesied war, woe, and pestilence against many lands and mighty kingdoms.  But the prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the LORD only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled.”  The way of the prophet is hard. War, woe, and pestilence do come to pass regularly; peace, not so much.    

In our own day, there are many people who promise a rosy future, whether through their products, services, or politics.  But those who claim to speak for the LORD bear a special burden – they have to get it right.  Jeremiah showed remarkable patience, waiting to deliver another message from the Lord.  It did not end well for Hananiah.  The way of the faithful prophet may be hard, but the way of the false prophet is harder.

Today’s gospel presents the familiar account of Jesus performing a miracle to feed those who came to hear him.  He did this in a time of grief, after the murder of his kinsman John the Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for our Lord.  Yet, Jesus’ compassion for the people helped him overcome his own misery and weariness.  (This, too, seems miraculous, doesn’t it?)

The miraculous sign he performed is the only miracle that appears in all four gospels. It calls to mind the prophet Elisha, who miraculously fed a hundred men with twenty loaves, also with plenty left over.  (2 Kings 4: 42-44).  It also reflects the manna that God used to feed Israel during the exodus.  And it foreshadows Jesus’ own transformation into the bread of life, which comes to us in the eucharist (John 6). 

Jesus follows after the line of prophets who went before him, sharing a life of difficulty and suffering to bring a message that was not always well received.  Only Jesus delivers on the promise of peace, uniting us to God in a way that only He could bring, thereby also fulfilling the words Jeremiah spoke so many years before. 

Let's pray ... 

Lord, help us to follow the words of the Psalms today, coming to you in humility to hear your words and to live according to them.  Save us from false prophets and false promises.  Draw us to the living bread that you alone provide to sustain us, even in the midst of hard times and difficulties that accompany us in this life.   Thanks be to God.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Mary Major Basilica

(Completed in 1743)

The Story of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica

First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.

St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal churches in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter’s, the See of Constantinople; and St. Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her later life.

One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every August 5.

Reflection

----------

Theological debate over Christ’s nature as God and man reached fever pitch in Constantinople in the early fifth century. The chaplain of Bishop Nestorius began preaching against the title Theotokos, “Mother of God,” insisting that the Virgin was mother only of the human Jesus. Nestorius agreed, decreeing that Mary would henceforth be named “Mother of Christ” in his see. The people of Constantinople virtually revolted against their bishop’s refutation of a cherished belief. When the Council of Ephesus refuted Nestorius, believers took to the streets, enthusiastically chanting, “Theotokos! Theotokos!”

***

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