✝️ Mass Readings — 29 November 2025 (Saturday of Week 34 in Ordinary Time)

 🙏 Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
as we approach the end of the liturgical year, open our hearts to recognise Your presence in all things—
in trials, in hope, and in the promise of Your coming Kingdom.
Grant that we may stand firm in faith, persevere in charity,
and walk in the light of Christ.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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📖 FIRST READING

Daniel 7:15–27

Source: catholic.sg readings

I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions of my head terrified me...
But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever and ever…
The kingship and dominion shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High;
their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey them.

Key Theme:

God wins. His people will share His eternal kingdom.

Relevant CCC

• CCC 668–672 — Christ’s kingship & the coming of the Kingdom

• CCC 1023–1029 — The saints sharing in God’s glory

• CCC 2612 — Perseverance while awaiting Christ’s return

Explanation

Daniel sees terrifying visions of earthly kingdoms rising and falling, but the message is clear:
human kingdoms are temporary; God’s Kingdom is forever.

Despite oppression, suffering and uncertainty, God will give His people a share in His eternal reign.

Application

• When life feels unstable, remember: God’s plan is bigger than any fear or trouble.

• Live as a “holy one” — faithful, loving, hopeful.

• Trust that no evil, oppression, or injustice has the final say. God does.

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📖 RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Daniel 3:82–87 (Canticle)

Response: “Praise and exalt Him forever!”

A hymn of creation praising God—sun, moon, stars, mountains, seas, fire, heat, cold, all created things.

Explanation

Creation praises God with purity and faithfulness.
We join creation in worship and humility before the Creator.

CCC

• CCC 293–295 — Creation gives glory to God

• CCC 337–349 — Harmony of creation

Application

• Praise God for the beauty of creation.

• Use your voice and actions to glorify Him.

• Let creation remind you of God’s constant love.

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📖 GOSPEL

Luke 21:34–36

Source: catholic.sg readings

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down…
Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength
to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Key Theme:

Spiritual vigilance — do not fall asleep in your soul.

Relevant CCC

• CCC 2849 — Vigilance in avoiding temptation

• CCC 2730 — Watchfulness in prayer

• CCC 1048–1050 — Awaiting the new heaven and new earth

Explanation

Jesus warns us:

• Avoid a life drowned in distractions, anxiety, pleasure-seeking.

• Pray constantly.

• Stay spiritually awake to recognise God’s voice.

Jesus’ words do not aim to frighten us, but to prepare us.

Application

• Reduce unnecessary noise, distractions, and spiritual laziness.

• Pray daily—even short prayers keep you alert.

• Examine your life: What weighs your heart down?

• Stay mindful that Christ can return at any time.

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✨ Reflection Summary for Catechumens

• The world around us changes, but God’s Kingdom never changes.

• Creation eternally praises God; we join it daily.

• Jesus invites us to stay spiritually awake through prayer, simplicity, and a peaceful heart.

• The readings call us to hope, vigilance, and perseverance.

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🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
keep our hearts awake and attentive to Your presence.
Strengthen us against distractions and fears,
and fill us with the hope of Your eternal Kingdom.
May we remain faithful disciples until the day we stand before You.
Amen.