The Writing on the Wall of Our Lives

Dan 5:1-6.13-14.16-17.23-28; Psalm: Dan 3; Lk 21:12-19

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, the Word of God today presents us with a dramatic contrast between two kinds of power: the arrogant, fleeting power of the world, and the humble, enduring power that comes from God alone. In a world that often measures success by wealth and influence, these scriptures call us to a sobering and liberating truth: we are all being weighed on God’s scales, and our only lasting security is found in acknowledging Him.

The story from the Book of Daniel is a masterpiece of divine judgment. King Belshazzar, in a state of reckless arrogance, throws a great feast using the sacred gold and silver vessels plundered from the Jerusalem Temple. He toasts his idols, glorifying the “gods of gold and silver, of bronze and iron,” the very materials of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, representing transient empires. In that moment of supreme blasphemy, the fingers of a human hand appear and write on the wall: MENE, TEKEL, PERES— “Numbered, Weighed, Divided.” Daniel interprets the terrifying message: God has numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom, weighed him on the scales and found him wanting, and will divide his kingdom. The king who trusted in his wealth and power is found spiritually bankrupt.

This scene of worldly power being judged finds its echo in the Gospel, where Jesus speaks directly to His followers about the cost of discipleship. He warns them that they will be persecuted, handed over by family and friends, and hated because of His name. This is the opposite of worldly success. Yet, in this moment of ultimate vulnerability, He gives an incredible promise: “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” The world’s power, like Belshazzar’s, is destined to crumble. But the power God gives to the faithful in their moment of trial is unassailable. It is not the power of military might or political influence, but the power of divine truth and persevering love.

Belshazzar’s sin was his failure to glorify the God “who holds in his power your very life and all your ways.” He trusted created things over the Creator. Jesus calls His disciples to do the opposite: to trust the Creator so completely that they are willing to lose all created things—their reputation, their safety, even their life—for His sake. As St. Augustine confessed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Belshazzar’s heart was restless in its pursuit of pleasure and power; the martyr’s heart finds rest in God alone.

This offers us both a sober examination and a profound comfort. The writing is on the wall for every earthly power and possession we cling to too tightly. Are we, in any area of our lives, living like Belshazzar, glorifying the “gods” of wealth, status, or comfort? The comfort is that when we face trials, ridicule, or persecution for our faith, we are not alone. We are given the same promise: Christ Himself will give us the wisdom and endurance we need.

Let us ask for the grace to live with the humility of Daniel and the courage of the martyrs. May we build our lives not on the shifting sands of worldly power, but on the solid rock of Christ, so that when we are weighed on God’s scales, we may be found not wanting, but filled with the enduring wealth of faith. Amen.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.