Daily Readings - Mon Nov 25 2019
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.
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 generosity. The first reading from Daniel recounts the story of Daniel and his companions in Babylonian captivity. Despite being in a foreign land and pressured to conform to the king's ways, Daniel and his friends remain faithful to their God. They refuse to eat the king's food, which they consider unclean, and instead choose a simple diet of vegetables and water. Their trust in God is rewarded as they become healthier and wiser than their peers, demonstrating that fidelity to God, even in challenging circumstances, leads to blessings.
The Gospel reading from Luke presents the story of the widow's mite. Jesus observes people giving offerings at the temple and notices a poor widow who puts in two small coins. While others give from their surplus, the widow gives all she has to live on. Jesus praises her, saying she has given more than anyone else because her offering comes from a place of deep trust and sacrifice. This teaches us that true generosity is not measured by the amount given but by the love and trust behind the gift.
Both readings highlight the importance of living with integrity and faith. Daniel and the widow show us that trusting God and being faithful in all circumstances, even when it is difficult, leads to a deeper relationship with Him. Their examples encourage us to examine our own lives: Are we willing to stand firm in our faith like Daniel? Do we give to God with the same generosity and trust as the widow? May we learn to trust in God's providence and to give from the heart, knowing that He sees and rewards our faithfulness.