Daily Readings - Thu Nov 28 2019
Daniel
11Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.12So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" The king answered, "The decree stands-in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed."13Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day."14When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.15Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed."16So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"17A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed.18Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.19At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den.20When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"21Daniel answered, "O king, live forever!22My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."23The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.24At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.25Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: "May you prosper greatly!26"I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.27He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions."28So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Luke
20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories of faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from Daniel recounts the famous story of Daniel in the lions’ den. Daniel, a faithful servant of God, refuses to stop praying to the one true God despite King Darius’s decree forbidding it. His unwavering commitment to his faith leads to his miraculous deliverance from the lions, as God sends an angel to protect him. The king, moved by this miracle, not only spares Daniel’s life but also issues a decree that the God of Daniel be revered throughout his kingdom. This story reminds us that even in the face of great adversity, trusting in God’s plan can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities to witness to His power.
The Gospel reading from Luke presents a very different kind of challenge. Jesus speaks about the future destruction of Jerusalem and the chaos that will accompany the end times. He warns of great suffering, confusion, and fear, but He also offers hope. Jesus tells His disciples that when these trials begin, they should not lose heart but instead lift their heads in confidence, knowing that their redemption is near. This passage encourages us to remain vigilant and faithful, trusting that God’s ultimate plan for salvation will prevail even when the world around us seems to be falling apart.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges in our own lives. Like Daniel, we may face situations where our faith is tested, and we must decide whether to compromise or stand firm. Like the disciples in Luke’s Gospel, we may encounter uncertainty and turmoil, but we are called to trust in God’s providence and remain steadfast. These stories remind us that faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about walking through them with confidence in God’s presence and plan. Let us strive to imitate Daniel’s courage and the disciples’ hope, knowing that no matter what we face, God is always with us, guiding us toward redemption and eternal life.