Today’s Catholic Reflection
King Belshazzar held a grand feast for a thousand guests. He chose to use the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for drinking. As he and his guests celebrated their idols, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall. This sight filled the king with terror. He quickly summoned Daniel, a Jewish exile known for his wisdom and dream interpretation.
Daniel explained the writing's meaning. He told Belshazzar that his kingdom had been judged and found wanting. The king's reign would soon end, and his kingdom would be divided among the Medes and Persians. In the Gospel, Jesus spoke to the crowd coming trials for his followers. He assured them they would receive wisdom to defend themselves, and that their perseverance would bring them life, even in the face of adversity.