Daniel 5 : 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28
Luke 21 : 12-19
One phrase which we will use to express the idea that we can see things so clearly and so profoundly, is to use this expression - we say that "the writing is on the wall".
That phrase is taken from the book of the prophet Daniel which we heard in the 1st reading.
That phrase in the context of the 1st reading meant judgment for king Belshazzar because he desecrated the sacred vessels that were looted from the Temple in Jerusalem, and he did not acknowledge the God of all creation.
In a world that is filled with violence and terrorism, evil and sinfulness, is there any writing on the wall? Is there any judgment? Is there any vindication?
What do we see in such situations?
We can see two things : one is that those who propagate violence and evil will be accountable to God.
But we also need to see something else, something more profound.
We need to see that in the midst of violence and evil, we need to see that we are called to bear witness.
We need to bear witness to God's love and forgiveness.
We need to bear witness to the truth of way of Jesus in that we don't have to return evil for evil, but rather to overcome evil with good.
We need to bear witness and to be God's writing on the wall.
God's writing on the wall speaks not just of judgment, but of peace and love and forgiveness.
Yes, we must bear witness even when evil and sin seem to be overwhelming.
But as Jesus said in the gospel - our endurance will win us our lives.