Daily Readings - Thu Nov 25 2021

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 The king answered, "The decree stands-in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed."13Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing.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 narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and hope in the face of adversity. The first reading from Daniel recounts the story of Daniel in the lions' den, a testament to unwavering faith. Despite a decree forbidding prayer to any god except the king, Daniel continues to pray, trusting in God's deliverance. His faith is rewarded as God sends an angel to protect him, leading to his safe release and the king's acknowledgment of God's power. The Gospel reading from Luke presents Jesus' words about future trials and the ultimate redemption. Jesus warns of Jerusalem's destruction and the ensuing suffering, urging preparedness and hope. He encourages believers to remain steadfast, trusting that God's plan is at work even amidst chaos. The readings intersect in their emphasis on trust in God during trials, whether personal persecution or broader upheaval. In our daily lives, these stories remind us to stay faithful despite challenges. Like Daniel, we may face pressures to conform, but trusting in God's providence can lead to deliverance. When we encounter turmoil, Jesus' words encourage us to trust in God's control and look toward redemption. The moral lesson is clear: faith and trust in God lead to deliverance, and even in tough times, God is in control, inviting us to remain faithful and hopeful.