Today on the last day of the liturgical year the first reading sounds a triumphant note. The prophet Daniel shares with us his vision and how it is interpreted for him. The fourth Kingdom which has been oppressing the holy ones of the most high is brought to absolute destruction. Now the Kingship shall be given to the holy people of the most high. Their Kingdom shall be everlasting and all peoples shall serve and obey their King. We celebrated this triumph last week as we celebrated the Feast of Christ our King. Yet even as we end one liturgical year we are invited to begin another one. We pray today in the alleluia verse " Come Lord Jesus" and tomorrow we will begin the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas.

Life is full of beginnings and endings and always new opportunities and invitations. In today's gospel reading we are called to be vigilant at all times and to pray. We await the second coming of Christ and in our waiting we can become careless and indulge in all sorts of material pleasures. We are exhorted always to be prepared because we do not know the day nor the hour. As we reflect on our world today and the threat of terrorism that hangs over us we can surely say we do not know when the hour will come. Life is fragile and life is precious.