Introduction to
Daniel
By
the time you finish reading Daniel, you'll probably be wondering how all these
Babylonian and Persian kings could be so incredibly thick. In the course of the book's opening stories, the kings keep
realizing that Daniel's God is, in fact, everybody's God, or the only God—and
then they immediately do something entirely disrespectful and ridiculous like
drinking booze out of sacred vessels or chucking people into furnaces. But
that's part of the problem posed by The Book of Daniel: how do you live under
the control of people who just don't get it while still remaining true to yourself? It was an issue that
the Israelites happened to be struggling with in a big way at the time the book
was written. The Book of Daniel came out of a period when Israel was going
through some major problems, like getting invaded, plundered, and totally devastated
by different imperial armies while seeing the best-educated Jews carried away
into captivity. When the book was actually written, sometime between 300 and
165 BCE, they were dealing with an unusually nasty king by the name of
Antiochus IV Epiphanes—one of the Greek generals squabbling over the remains of
Alexander the Great's empire. Not only did he try to prevent the Jews from
worshipping in their temple and practicing their religion freely, he made
owning a copy of the Torah punishable by death. He even attempted to install a
statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies, the very place where God was supposed to
reside. (See the Apocryphal Biblical book 2 Maccabees for more details.) Naturally,
none of this went down well with the Israelites, and eventually a rebellion led
by the heroic warrior, Judah Maccabee, overthrew Antiochus' reign. But before
that happened, the Israelites were debating exactly how they should
react—whether with violent revolt, or by waiting patiently for God to overthrow
Antiochus, just as the Babylonian tyrants had been overthrown by the Persians
earlier. The Book of Daniel was evidently written by people from the "Let
God Do It" camp. The book keeps telling stories about how Daniel and his
friends are saved by God whenever the light seemed like it was about to go out
and the wicked kings were about to do something horrible. Daniel fits into the
Bible in an interesting way, too. Christians put Dan in with the books by and
about the Prophets, but the Hebrew Bible places his book in with the Writings,
alongside works like Esther and the Song of Solomon. Both of these ways of
placing Daniel make sense. He has prophetic visions of the future and the end
of the world and tries to counsel kings toward justice. But the Book of Daniel
is similar to the Writings in that it contains plenty of classic short stories.
Some of the Bible's best yarns are in here, like the tale of Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lion's den.
Why
Should I Care?
Ever
had a weird dream? We mean, like, classically
weird? Like the ol' forgot-to-wear-clothes-to-math-class dream? Well, Daniel,
the prophet and seer, would have rushed to your aid and explained—provided you
had just threatened the lives of all the wise men in Babylon, that is. We can't
suggest what he would've made of the "naked in math class" thing, but
we do know that he was an expert on dream interpretation. Of course, he usually
interpreted the dreams of kings, and those dreams typically involved some sort
of broad historical lesson or a prophecy of personal catastrophe. Like Joseph
in Genesis before him, Daniel was an ace dream-analyzer, sort of the Sigmund Freud of his era (except much more religious and probably
lacking a cigar). But what the Book of Daniel gives to readers today is much
more significant than a glimpse into the slumberous visions of ancient
Babylonian royalty. For instance, the entire second half of Daniel offers up a
fairly detailed account of the future history and final end of the world; it's
not quite as far out as Revelation, but it's some Grade A Head Candy,
nonetheless. And as you may have noticed, quite a few people today are way
anxious about the world ending and believe that we're living in the last days.
That's something Daniel can shed some light on. Perhaps most importantly,
Daniel is the story of a guy who stuck to his guns. He had to deal with a
succession of thick-headed and unpredictable kings who, on different occasions,
try to kill him, his friends, and all the wise men of Babylon. But Daniel never
takes the easy way out. He and his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—don't
collaborate with things that strike their conscience as being wrong. Somehow,
miraculously, this totally works out for them.
In
a way, Daniel's like Dr. Jennifer Melfi from The Sopranos. She also tries to talk some sense
to and interpret the dreams of a bad guy, a ruthless mobster and sociopath
(though she's a lot less successful than Daniel). She's trying to "speak
truth to power," to the worst kind of power, too: power controlled by
evil. But Daniel is dealing with a slightly different kind of villain. The
Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar isn't evil. He's just deluded and confused. He's
not willfully ignoring the truth or what's right. He just doesn't know any
better. And in a lot of ways, it is the patience and honesty of Daniel that
help him to recover. That's where the essence of the book lies: the main character's
struggle to endure the most horrible trials and terrors out of a desire to
demonstrate an act of mercy towards the king. It's an example that can inspire
anybody. Although the king has more earthly power than Daniel, it is ultimately
Daniel who takes pity on the king because Daniel, at least, can see the truth.
JUNE 7 Trinity Sunday
Daniel, Chapter 1, Verse 9-10
9 Though God had given Daniel the
favor and sympathy of the chief chamberlain, 10 he said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who allotted
your food and drink. If he sees that you look thinner in comparison to the
other young men of your age, you will endanger my life with the king.”
The chamberlain was afraid because the king had taken
Daniel and other sharp, young Hebrews (as well as other defeated nations youth)
to groom them as leaders to ensure the subservience of those defeated nations
by developing them as devoted protégés of the king and should the Daniel and
the others appear sickly the chamberlain would suffer disgrace. The king's
reasoning was sound but good treatment by the king would not dislodge Daniel
and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah's faith and trust in the God of
Abraham. They refused to eat the rich food which most likely included pork and
other banned foods noted in the Torah. Daniel proposed a test to reduce the
chamberlain’s fear which was to let them eat just vegetables
and water for ten days. After the ten days Daniel and his friends features
appeared healthier than those who ate rich fair. Daniel and his friends never
lost their faith and trust in their God.
Men are fickled things for when faith and trust in God
leave; fear and pride enter. We see this type of response of the
Jew’s to Pilate’s plea for Christ.
When
Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him
on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon.
And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried
out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I
crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
(John 19:13-15)
Again, in the Acts of the Apostles we see the same
lack of faith and trust in God’s fullness through Christ by the Jews in their
martyring of Stephen.
“Stephen said to the people, the
elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and
ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors.
Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those
who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you
have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not
observe it.” (Acts
7:51-53)
·
Fast doing the Daniel fast.
Trinity Sunday[1]
Sunday
is dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, and is called accordingly the
Lord s day; but the first Sunday after Pentecost is appointed by the Church a
special feast of the Most Holy Trinity, because this mystery, as the
fundamental doctrine of the Christian religion, began at once to be preached by
the apostles, as soon as they had been enlightened and strengthened by the
descent of the Holy Ghost.
What
thoughts and affections should occupy our minds on this feast? Although the mystery of the Trinity
is incomprehensible to us, we must consider:
1.
That God would cease to be God, if our limited understanding were capable of
penetrating the substance of His nature.
2. The mystery
of the Blessed Trinity, though incomprehensible to our intellect, is yet not
without fruit in our hearts. The records of revelation show us God the Father
as our Creator, God the Son as our Redeemer, God the Holy Ghost as our
Sanctifier; and should not this move us to a child-like gratitude towards the
blessed Trinity?
In praise of
the Most Holy Trinity, the Church sings at the Introit of the Mass, Blessed be
the Holy Trinity and undivided Unity; we will give glory to Him, because He
hath shown His mercy to us. O Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy name in all
the earth.
Prayer.
O almighty and eternal God, Who hast created Thy servant to acknowledge the
glory of the eternal Trinity, in the confession of the true faith, and to adore
the unity in the power of Thy majesty, we beseech Thee, that by firmness in the
same faith, we may be ever protected from all adversities.
EPISTLE. Rom. xi. 33-36.
Oh,
the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How
incomprehensible are His judgments, and how unsearchable His ways! For who hath
known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first
given to Him, and recompense shall be made Him? For of Him, and by Him, and in
Him, are all things: to Him be glory forever. Amen.
Explanation. The
ground of St. Paul s admiration in this epistle is the un fathomable wisdom and
love of God, by which He permitted the Jews and heathen to fall into unbelief,
that He might have mercy on all, and make all perceive that they were
justified, not through their merits, but only through His grace. But the Church
makes use of these words to express her reverent admiration for the greatness
of the mystery of the all Holy Trinity. Though we can neither measure nor
comprehend this mystery, yet no man of sound reason will hesitate to believe
it, if he considers that it is most plainly revealed by God; that as God, the
Infinite, cannot be comprehended by the spirit of man, so also He can reveal more
than we can understand; and that, finally, there are many things in man
himself, and in nature, which we acknowledge as true, but cannot comprehend.
Besides, does not our holy religion assure us, that one day we shall behold
face to face the Infinite Whose image is now reflected dimly in the mirror of
nature? Let us add hope, therefore, to our faith, and if true and sincere love
be based upon these two, our understanding and heart will have abundant
consolation in regard to this great mystery.
GOSPEL. Matt, xxviii. 18-20.
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth; going therefore teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
What command
does Our Savior give in this gospel?
He commands His apostles to teach all nations, and to baptize them.
Is Baptism a
sacrament? Yes,
for by it we receive the grace of God, through an outward sign instituted by
Christ.
What is the
outward sign?
Pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized and pronouncing at the
same time the words: “I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.”
What is the
effect of the grace of Baptism?
Through water and the Holy Ghost, the baptized person is cleansed from original
sin, and from all actual sins, if he has committed such; is spiritually
new-born, and made a child of God and a joint heir with Christ (John iii. 6;
Rom. viii. 17).
What is the
use of sponsors?
1. In the name
of the child, they express the desire to be baptized, and make the profession
of faith, together with the promise to live according to the doctrine of
Christ.
2. In case the
parents should die, or neglect their duty, the godparents may provide for the
instruction of the children.
3. They are
witnesses that such a person has been baptized.
Who is God? God is an infinite being, of all
possible perfections, the most sublime and excellent of all goods, existing
from all eternity, and containing within Himself the principle of His own being
and substance; from Whom all other things have received their existence and
life, “for of Him, and by Him, and in Him are all things” (Rom. xi. 36).
What is the
blessed Trinity?
It is this one God, Who is one in nature and threefold in person, the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost.
Is each of
these persons God?
Yes, for each possesses the divine nature and substance.
Is any of
these three persons older, more powerful, or greater than another? No; they are all three, from
eternity, equal in power, sublimity, and majesty, and must therefore be equally
adored.
From Whom is
the Father? From
Himself, before all eternity.
From Whom is
God the Son? The
Son is begotten of the Father before all ages.
From Whom is
God the Holy Ghost?
He proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Holy Sunshine and Rain[2]
After the Son revealed His
relation to the Father through Good Friday and Easter, and the Spirit revealed
Himself at Pentecost, the most Holy Trinity can now be fully worshipped.
Though the mystery of the
Holy Trinity is the greatest dogma of the Christian faith and the Feast of the
Holy Trinity one of the beloved annual feasts of Christianity, there are not
many customs or rituals quintessentially associated with this day. It has always
been the custom, however, to keep this day with great reverence and solemnity. Festivals
after Mass featuring thunderous preachers and thunderous bands
aroused their listeners to joyful heights, while Holy Trinity
Confraternities (which were once very influential)
would sponsor special events and devotions on this their name day. Superstition
also ascribed great powers to the weather on Holy Trinity Sunday,
regardless of what it was: "Trinity rain" was considered as healthy
as "Trinity sunshine."
Trinity
Sunday Facts[3]
·
The
Nicene Creed and similar Apostle's Creed often recited during
mass for many denominations affirms the Trinity. The creeds are a
profession of faith. The Catholic version of The Apostle's Creed is:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who
was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into
hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is
seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come
to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy
Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
·
The
Trinity does not explicitly appear in the Bible. The interpretation and
belief in the three-in-one God came out of several councils in the early church
that wrestled with the question of the divinity of God the Creator, Jesus
Christ and the Holy Spirit.
·
St.
Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, taught non-Christians the Trinity with a
shamrock.
·
The
Orthodox Church celebrates the Trinity in its Feast of the Pentecost.
Pentecost Sunday is sometimes even called Trinity Day.
Trinity Sunday Top Events and
Things to Do
·
The
Trinity is often described as a holy mystery beyond complete human
understanding. To mark Trinity Sunday, consider other things that are
beyond human understanding, like the universe, or the concept of time never
ending.
·
Listen
to a sermon on Trinity Sunday to see what examples the pastor uses to illustrate
the concept of God in three persons.
·
Johann
Sebastian Bach wrote music to celebrate the Trinity. Listen to one of his
Trinity Sunday cantatas on YouTube.
·
Experience
the Trinity in art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
One painting that depicts this is The Trinity by Italian painter Angulo Gaddi.
Daily
Devotions
- If you cannot get to Mass here is a method to hear Mass spiritually
·
Today in honor of the Holy Trinity do the Divine Office giving
your day to God. To honor God REST: no shopping after SUNSET ON SATURDAY till
Monday. Don’t forget the internet.
·
Bear with yourself with great
patience.
·
Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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