Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Prophecy can be a tricky thing. There are Nostradamus’ vague predictions. There are the science fiction applications of the Revelation in popular literature. We tend to understand prophecy as some prediction of the future, some vision of things that will and must come to pass. While this understanding is common and probably not entirely incorrect (I am not able to see the future so I can’t say for certain), it is helpful to start with the immediate situation that the prophet confronted. Typically, at least in scripture, there are two interrelated aspects. First, the context the prophet addressed. Second, the community the prophet inhabited. Prophecy is very often about a community’s relationship to its context. Most often they are not doom and gloom (though sometimes they are). Instead, they are occasions for hope in a time of crisis. The passages for today are great examples of the hopeful role of scriptural prophecy.
The first passage, from the Book of Daniel, is addressed to King Nebuchadnezzar. It is a prophetic interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Daniel speaks to Nebuchadnezzar about his empire and the wake of its inevitable end. He tells him that there will be division upon division, with different kings and ages. He informs him that amidst this chaos a kingdom will arise “that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people.” This kingdom, the kingdom established by God, will stand forever.
It is important to note that Daniel was written during the period called the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites were enslaved under Babylonian rule. While the text addresses Nebuchadnezzar, it is a message to the Israelite people. The kingdom’s of the world will come and go. The kingdom established by God will neither be enslaved nor perish. Daniel’s message is one of hope for the Israelite community.
In the second passage, from the gospel of Luke, Jesus offers a prophecy about the destruction of the temple. War and tragedy will follow in the wake of its destruction. Jesus warns the people against listening to those who interpret these things as the “end.” He encourages the people to persevere without fear. The people ought to stay steadfast in their faith during these times, rather than look for easy answers.
Like the story above, it is helpful to read it in context. Most scholars agree that Luke was written after the temple had already been destroyed in 70 AD. The central place of worship had been razed by the Roman Empire. Like Daniel, Luke is conveying a message to his community. Even though the temple has been destroyed, the faithful ought not lose heart. Instead, remain steadfast in the midst of terrible things.
Both of these passages speak from within a particular context, Babylon and Rome, towards the afflictions of the community, exile and destruction of the temple. They both assure a community in uncertain times. The power of prophecy doesn’t lie in its prediction but how it speaks to a community struggle to make sense of a tragic and hostile world. The hope and assurance of prophecy can speak to us today.
Today let us ponder in our hearts how faith assures in uncertain times.