Daily Readings - Mon Nov 22 2021
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 powerful lessons on faith, integrity, and generosity. The first reading from Daniel recounts the story of Daniel and his companions in Babylon, who, despite being in exile, remained faithful to their God. They refused the king's food and wine, choosing instead a simpler diet of vegetables and water. This act of faith not only preserved their identity but also brought them wisdom and favor in the eyes of God and the king. Their trust in God’s providence led to their success in the royal court, demonstrating that true strength comes from staying true to one’s beliefs even in challenging circumstances.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a contrasting scene in the Temple, where Jesus observes the wealthy giving large sums to the treasury and a poor widow offering just two small coins. Jesus highlights the widow’s offering as the greatest, not because of its monetary value, but because it represented her entire livelihood. This act of selfless giving reflects her deep trust in God’s care, much like Daniel’s trust in refusing the king’s provisions. Both stories remind us that our relationship with God is not measured by external appearances or material wealth but by the depth of our faith and the sincerity of our actions.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. How do we respond to challenges? Do we trust in God’s plan, even when it requires sacrifice? How do we use the resources we have? The widow’s two coins teach us that true generosity is not about how much we give but about the love and trust with which we give. Let us strive to live with integrity, trusting in God’s providence, and offering ourselves fully to Him, just as Daniel and the widow did. In doing so, we may find that our small acts of faith and generosity can have a profound impact in God’s eyes.