Christ Jesus, in the face of calamity let me stand up, lift up my head and watch for your salvation ...

Daniel 6:11-28 & Luke 21:20-28
 
Calamities of all kinds – sudden deaths, accidents, disastrous decisions etc. – befall us day to day, year to year. Yet they are a drop in the bucket compared to massive genocides, human trafficking rings, tsunamis, or major earthquakes, fires and floods. Daniel was fed to a den of hungry lions. Jesus stated that humanity will be subject to global and cosmic events beyond imagination ‘before the end of this age’. How to prepare for such events and times? Learn through the school of ‘everyday’ events and sufferings to stand up, and raise my head and look for the redemption of God made visible in the death and resurrection of his Son. Christ Jesus, in the face of calamities let me stand up, lift up my head and watch for your salvation. 
 
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence. (Psalm 16:11)
 
Come, Lord Jesus –and be with me where I feel poorest. 
 
Henri Nouwen 
 
Soli gloriam dei .