“His Kingship Shall Not Be Destroyed” by Melanie Rigney

 

 

“His Kingship Shall Not Be Destroyed” by Melanie Rigney

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away; his kingship shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)

In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord. (Psalm 138:1)

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51)

Piety

Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. (Pray to St. Michael the archangel)

Study

I’m reading The Romanovs: 1613-1918 (by Simon Sebag Montefiore, who also wrote the Stalin book I read last summer). I’ve long been fascinated by the tragic story of the last tsar of Russia and his family (and, truth be told, took the confirmation name Anastasia for his youngest daughter rather than the fourth-century Serbian martyr remembered in Canon of the Mass).

Here’s the thing about the Romanovs, from Michael, the teen and unwilling first tsar, to Nicholas II: They were always about getting power—and, having gained it, not losing it. Do not kid yourselves that any of them had a deep-seated desire to improve the lot of the serfs (possession of whom they awarded like so many pennies) or the peasants. It was about power.

This obsession, I do not think, is uniquely Russian.

This brings us to today’s reading from Daniel. The prophet’s dream includes four beasts, each perhaps more frightening than the one before. Ultimately, however, they are slain, or their power is taken away, which “one like a son of man” appearing and receiving an everlasting dominion.

That’s the thing about Jesus: He always had and always will have power. He knows that. He’s not focusing on losing it or gaining still more power if that could even happen. What He concerns himself with is helping us learn that being part of His everlasting dominion is there for the asking if we follow Him, rather than those who see us as pawns in their futile power grab. They can’t win—but we can lose.

Action

Contemplate where evil is making a power play in your life. Pray the St. Michael the archangel prayer.

https://pixabay.com/photos/archon-michael-angel-archangel-2086750/,  Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay.