Most of us know what it feels like to wake up in the middle of the night because of a bad dream. As an adult, I still have a couple of nightmares now and then, especially during times of general anxiety. However, none of my nightmares compares to Daniel’s unnerving vision in today’s first reading. At first glance, Daniel’s vision might seem distant from our lives, but does it not echo the world we live in today? Are we not often surrounded by manifestations of systems, ideologies, leaders, and even personal temptations that reflect “beasts” vying for dominance and supremacy? Could the four “beasts” in Daniel’s vision be a metaphor that represents: technological absolutism, consumerism, authoritarianism, and nationalism in today’s society? These “beasts” may rise and reign for a season, but their fall is inevitable. Leaders come and go. Trends and movements surge, then crumble. All systems and structures of this world will fade eventually, but God’s Word and rule stand eternal.
It is easy to be swept up by ideologies that promise security, success, or belonging, even when they fail to point us towards God, the eternal, and hope. So, how do we ensure that we are not swept away in the stirred-up sea of temporary and transitory systems and ideologies? How do we recognize Christ-like leadership in the midst of it all? How do we recognize God’s kingdom? Jesus gives us the answer using the parable of the fig tree in the gospel. The parable reinforces the need for spiritual perception and discernment. Jesus invites us to practice spiritual discernment –to read the signs of the times, not with fear but with readiness. Jesus urges us to be attentive and discern what is fleeting and what is eternal.
The most powerful leaders are the ones who align their hearts with God’s heart, drawing strength and direction from God’s presence and purpose. Such leadership requires courage and faith, but it also bears fruit that endures well beyond our lifetime. Yes, discernment is vital because it works as a spiritual compass that stretches beyond leadership— it asks us to speak up when the systems we inhabit are not aligned with our beliefs and values. Discernment invites us to peel back the surface of these systems and ask hard questions: Where is God in this? Does this cultivate dignity and justice for all? Does this leave people hopeful? Do these systems reflect the values of God’s kingdom? Or do they operate like the “beasts” of Daniel’s vision: self-serving, oppressive, consuming, dominating, and ultimately fleeting? The good news is that we are not left without guidance. By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit’s quiet leading, we can develop wisdom to navigate the complexities of our time with courage and faithfulness.
Nowadays, when the world feels like a stormy sea stirred up by forces of pride, greed, and fear, what would it look like to lead in a way that reflects the eternal kingdom of God rather than the fleeting “empires” of the world? Perhaps it starts with listening well, fostering humility, balancing mercy with justice, acting as ambassadors of the higher calling we have received, and participating in God’s kingdom work here and now, even as we wait with hope for its fullest realization.
Lord, grant us the wisdom to navigate what is frightening and fleeting in life and grant us the strength to embrace what is of lasting value.
Vivian Amu
I am an alumna of Creighton University. My Jesuit education has taught me to live a more reflective life and find God in every moment. I am originally from Nigeria, West Africa. Currently, I live in the heart of the Midwest in the United States. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I enjoy cooking, watching movies and baking shows. I love reading a good mystery novel. I have read all books written by Agatha Christie and all books in the Sherlock Holmes series. I enjoyed every one of them.
I enjoy writing because it feels like free falling with trust into the arms of God. I find freedom, life, and beauty in praying with poems and scripture. I also contribute to the Living Faith devotionals and feel a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to be a contributor to the Creighton University online ministry reflection webpage.
