🕊 Opening Prayer
Lord our God, as we approach the end of the liturgical year, grant us hearts that remain faithful, watchful, and anchored in Christ. Help us to understand Your Word, live it with courage, and bear witness to Your kingdom in a world of confusion. Open our minds through the Holy Spirit so that Your Scriptures transform our daily lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
📖 First Reading
Daniel 5:1–6, 13–14, 16–17, 23–28
Source:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/5
Summary of the passage:
King Belshazzar holds a great feast and profanes the sacred vessels taken from God’s Temple. Suddenly, a mysterious hand writes a message on the wall. Only Daniel, filled with God’s wisdom, can interpret it:
“Mene, Tekel, and Peres” — a divine judgment declaring the fall of Belshazzar’s kingdom because he honored idols and failed to honor the true God.
CCC References
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CCC 2113 – Condemnation of idolatry
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CCC 2583 – Prophetic intercession and discernment
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CCC 301 – Creation remains under God’s sovereign rule
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CCC 2165 – Using God’s name with reverence
Explanation
Daniel stands for fidelity in a corrupt world. While the king glorifies idols made of gold and silver, Daniel speaks truth fearlessly. God reveals that every kingdom and every human work is ultimately judged by Him.
Application
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Examine what “idols” may be in your life: fame, pleasure, money, or technology.
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Live with integrity even when surrounded by worldly pressures.
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Honor God in your speech, your choices, and your inner life.
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God still “writes on the wall” of our lives: through Scripture, conscience, and the Church—listen carefully.
📖 Responsorial Psalm
Daniel 3:62–67 (Canticle of the Three Young Men)
Source:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3
Response:
“Give glory and eternal praise to him!”
A universal call for all creation—sun, moon, stars, winds—to bless the Lord.
CCC References
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CCC 337–344 – Creation praises God
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CCC 2639 – Praise as a form of prayer
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CCC 2569 – Blessing God
Application
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Praise God even in trials.
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Let your voice join creation in blessing the Lord.
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Start your day with a moment of praise—“Lord, I bless You today.”
📖 Gospel Reading
Luke 21:12–19
Source:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21
Jesus warns the disciples that before His coming, they will face persecution, hatred, and betrayal—even from family. But He gives the promise:
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
CCC References
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CCC 675–677 – The Church’s final trials
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CCC 1818 – Hope amid difficulties
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CCC 2471–2474 – Witnessing to Christ even in persecution
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CCC 1608 – Human conflict and Christian endurance
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CCC 2847 – Persevering through temptation
Explanation
Jesus does not promise an easy life but a victorious one. The world may oppose the Gospel, but Christ assures that not a hair on your head will perish—meaning your eternal salvation is secure if you persevere.
Application
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Do not be discouraged by rejection or misunderstandings because of your faith.
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Pray for strength to persevere through trials in your family, workplace, or community.
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Remain faithful in prayer, Mass, and charity—as perseverance builds holiness.
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Keep hope alive: God wastes no suffering offered to Him.
🧠 Short Reflection
Daniel faces a corrupt king. The Three Youths praise God in fire. Jesus promises endurance through trials.
All readings point to one truth:
➡ God protects and strengthens His faithful ones.
➡ Perseverance is essential for salvation.
➡ Faith lived with courage glorifies God.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Father, give us the grace to persevere like Daniel and the early Christians. Strengthen our faith in times of confusion and trial. May we never bow to the idols of this world but remain faithful witnesses to Your truth. Help us live today with hope, courage, and trust in Your providence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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