Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Proper 29 (34) - "Reign of Christ" - Year B
When we can't see a resolution to our particular sense of persecution it is always handy to have a deus ex machina, even if it is more dream than machine.
When we have done all we can do (sometimes that is more and sometimes less than is needed, seldom is it just what is needed) we can but wait for comeuppance for others and dominion for ourselves.
Daniel's dream is the dream of every 96 pound weakling. In today's world it is also the dream of the church - to be returned to the mystique of Holy Empire, but this time one that is everlasting.
What keeps getting left out of the dream is the reality of death to make this dream come to pass. So verses 11-12 are conveniently left out as the Greek Empire is done in. In leaving these out we get the same old story in recent days regarding the USA and Iraq. As long as we can ignore death we can dream of conquest. So the president attends fund-raisers instead of funerals.
We will see about days of judgment to come and open books. That will pretty much take care of itself. For now, keep doing what you can.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/november2003.html
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or 2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-18 or Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
So, who are you? We need to listen to other's perception of us. There will be some truth there. It will give us a clue about who we have been, are, or might yet become.
For this to be most helpful it is good to have some idea that we are fulfilling a meaningful interaction with the other and with a community larger than our immediate community. With this larger perspective we can take other perceptions and not battle them. Sometimes we can even claim them (probably to the consternation of those who were trying to get our goat).
I am who I was born to be. This is a deep truth each of us have access to. When we do connect with it, it is amazing what power is set free within and through us.
Here is an empowering exercise. Stand in front of a proverbial mirror and say aloud, until it is firmly stated, "For this I was born – to testify to wholeness." Stating this truth continues our completion and emboldens us to assist others to arrive at a similar spot for themselves. This is leadership.
- - -
where did I come from
alpha
where am I going
omega
right now I'm between
mu and nu
I am glad to be here
me and you
for this I was born
for this I will die
in the meantime
we enjoy between times
we are and were
and are yet were-ing
to a new witness
all are loved free
look up and down
jump and kneel
remember and anticipate
amen and amen