The Sunday of the Prophet Daniel (CL)

Daniel 12:1-13

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. ² And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” 

⁵ Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. ⁶ And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” ⁷ And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. ⁸ I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” ⁹ He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. ¹⁰ Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. ¹¹ And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. ¹² Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. ¹³ But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” 

I hear this text used in one of the recent episodes of CSI: Crime Scene Investigators (CBS.com).  They used this text to illustrate that one who was dead seemed to be talking to them and helping certain people.  The one dead person had been brought to life.

Most people today believe that our loved ones remain with us in memory and love.  Others believe these people can actively work in our lives to help us and protect us.  Some even like to think of the dead as Angels who are watching over us.

Your loved ones who have died in the faith are still with you.  Since they belong to the body of Christ and you belong to the body of Christ, they are joined with you through Christ.  Christ who has promised to be with you always.

Saint Michael the ArchAngel does lead his forces to take care of the people of God.  God sends his angels out to protect and take care of us, but these are not human spirits these are Angels.  Michael was not a person but created as an Angel and remains an Angel.

This text should not be used to illustrate other people coming back to life to protect us, but to remind us that some will rise to eternal damnation and others to everlasting life.  God will come and raise dust back to life.  He will Judge these people of dust.  Some will be condemned on account of their sins.  Others will be forgiven or redeemed on account of Christ's righteousness.  Walk in faith as you go your own way, whether you rest in the dust or are still standing when Christ Returns you will be redeemed by your faith in Christ Jesus.