Sometimes it seems as if the evil powers of our world have complete control. It can be very discouraging. Daniel was written during a time in which the people were oppressed and persecuted. The people were assured that the day would come when the Archangel Michael would do battle for Israel. The dead would be raised, the just and righteous rewarded, and the wicked punished. The message: don't lose heart; in the end, God always wins. Good words for our own time!

Christ's power and authority flow from his self-sacrifice to free us from sin. He did not do this for honor or glory, but out of love and compassion. We also sacrifice ourselves whenever we serve, help, or comfort others. Forgetting self and pouring ourselves out for others is our way of imitating the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus described the coming of the Son of Man in dramatic and awe-inspiring images. It would be impossible to miss it! When will it happen? We don't know - but Jesus said to read the signs of the times. We can read the newspaper in one hand and the bible in the other. God will illuminate the events around us and guide us in making the correct response.