Daily Readings - Sat Nov 29 2025
Daniel
15I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.16I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.17These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.18But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.19Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;20And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.21I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;22Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.23Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.24And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.26But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Luke
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, 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.