Daily Readings - Mon Nov 27 2017
First Reading - Daniel 1.1-6, 8-20
Daniel
1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.3And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.14So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.19And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
Gospel - Luke 21.1-4
Luke
1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.2And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories that invite us to reflect on faith, integrity, and the true meaning of generosity. The first reading from Daniel reminds us of the courage of Daniel and his companions, who, despite being exiles in a foreign land, remained faithful to their God. They refused to compromise their beliefs by eating the king’s food and wine, choosing instead a simpler diet of vegetables and water. This decision was not about legalism but about maintaining their identity and trust in God’s providence. Their fidelity was rewarded with wisdom, knowledge, and favor in the eyes of the king.
The Gospel presents a striking contrast between the wealthy who gave from their abundance and the poor widow who gave her last two coins. Jesus highlights the widow’s offering as the greatest because she gave not out of her surplus but out of her poverty. This teaches us that true generosity is not measured by the amount we give but by the love and sacrifice behind it. The widow’s act of trust in God, even in her poverty, is a profound lesson in faith and self-giving love.
Both readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Like Daniel, we are called to remain faithful in the face of worldly pressures, trusting that God will provide. Like the widow, we are invited to give generously, not just from our abundance but from our very selves. In a world that often values power and wealth, these stories remind us that true greatness lies in humility, integrity, and surrender to God’s will. Let us strive to live with the courage of Daniel and the generosity of the widow, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and bring forth fruit in His time.