📌 Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, open our hearts to hear Your Word with clarity and courage. Help us remain steadfast in faith, trusting Your promise of salvation even in times of trial. Strengthen us with hope so that our lives may reflect Your Kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
📖 FIRST READING
Daniel 6:12–28
(The deliverance of Daniel from the lions’ den)
The commissioners go to King Darius to accuse Daniel for praying to God despite the royal decree. Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den, but God sends His angel to shut the lions’ mouths. The next morning, Daniel is found alive. The king proclaims reverence for the God of Israel.
Source link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/6
(Scroll to Daniel 6:12-28)
🎶 RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 97:1–2, 5–6, 9
Response: “Give glory and eternal praise to Him.”
The psalm praises God as the just ruler over all creation. Mountains melt like wax before Him; His glory is seen by every nation.
Source link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/97
📖 GOSPEL
Luke 21:20–28
(The signs of the end and the coming of the Son of Man)
Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem, times of distress, and the coming of the Son of Man in glory. He tells us:
“Stand erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is at hand.”
Source link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21
📘 CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (CCC) REFERENCES
1. God’s Protection & Angels
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CCC 332–333 — Angels serve God and assist in His saving mission (Daniel saved by an angel).
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CCC 336 — Guardian angels protect and guide the faithful.
2. Divine Sovereignty & Judgment
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CCC 668–671 — Christ already reigns, but the Kingdom is not yet fully revealed.
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CCC 1038–1041 — The Final Judgment and Christ’s return.
3. Perseverance in Faith
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CCC 161–165 — Faith is steadfast trust in God, especially in trials.
4. Hope in Christ’s Second Coming
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CCC 671, 1042–1050 — Christian hope looks to the coming of Christ and the renewal of creation.
🕯️ EXPLANATION OF THE READINGS
1. Daniel 6 — Faithfulness Under Pressure
Daniel refuses to compromise his relationship with God even when threatened with death.
His survival shows:
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God is sovereign over kings and powers
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God protects those who trust Him
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True faith is constant, not situational
The king himself becomes a witness to God’s power.
2. Psalm 97 — God Reigns
The psalm emphasizes:
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God’s justice
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His majesty over creation
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His visible presence to all nations
It reminds us that even when the world seems chaotic, God is still in control.
3. Luke 21 — The End Times and the Coming of Christ
Jesus speaks honestly about:
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Suffering
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Conflicts
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Disturbances in the world
But instead of fear, He calls us to courage:
“Stand erect… your redemption is near.”
The message is not destruction but hope, as Christ comes to save His people.
💡 APPLICATION FOR DAILY LIFE
1. Be Faithful Like Daniel
When facing pressure, temptation, or ridicule for your faith:
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Do not compromise
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Stay rooted in prayer
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Trust God’s protection
God rewards perseverance.
2. Live With Confidence in God’s Reign
Even when the world feels unstable:
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Remember that God reigns
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Trust His justice
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Keep His commandments
Allow His peace to guide your choices.
3. Prepare Your Heart for Christ’s Coming
Advent is near. Today is a call to:
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Examine your life
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Remove habitual sin
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Deepen prayer
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Strengthen hope
Be spiritually awake.
4. Stand Upright, Not Fearful
Jesus doesn’t want His people to panic.
He wants us strengthened, alert, and full of hope.
Replace fear with faith.
Replace anxiety with trust.
Replace distraction with prayer.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help us remain faithful like Daniel and courageous like the disciples.
When the world is shaken, let our hearts stand firm in Your love.
May we always look forward with hope to the coming of Your Son,
and live each day in holiness and compassion.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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