Daily Readings - Sat Nov 29 2025
Daniel
15"As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.16I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.17'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.18But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.'19"Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,20and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.21As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,22until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.23"Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.24As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.25He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.26But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.27And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.'
Luke
34"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.35For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.36But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful visions: one from Daniel and another from Luke. Daniel’s vision describes four great beasts, symbolizing four kingdoms that will rise and fall on earth. The fourth beast, particularly fearsome, represents a kingdom that will persecute the holy ones of God. Yet, Daniel is assured that the saints will ultimately receive the kingdom, and God’s people will triumph in the end. This vision reminds us that, despite the chaos and struggles of this world, God’s plan prevails, and His people will inherit eternal glory.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us to stay vigilant and prayerful, lest we be weighed down by the cares and distractions of this life. He compares the coming day of reckoning to a snare that will catch the unprepared. Jesus urges us to live with our hearts focused on what truly matters, avoiding the self-indulgence and anxieties that can blind us to spiritual realities. Both readings, though written in different times and styles, share a common theme: the call to trust in God’s ultimate victory and to live with our eyes fixed on eternal truths.
How do these readings apply to our daily lives? They remind us to avoid being consumed by the fleeting concerns of the world. Like Daniel, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we are called to trust in God’s plan and remain steadfast in our faith. Like the disciples in Luke’s Gospel, we must stay vigilant, praying always and seeking to live in a way that reflects our ultimate goal: to stand before the Son of Man with hearts pure and ready. Let us strive to live each day with gratitude, hope, and a deep trust in God’s providence, knowing that He will guide us through all trials until we reach the eternal kingdom.