✝️ Mass Readings — 24 November 2025
Memorial of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc & Companions, Martyrs
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Through the courage and faith of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his companions,
You strengthened Your Church in Vietnam.
As we celebrate their witness today,
grant us the same courage to follow Christ faithfully,
to stand for truth, and to love You above all things.
Open our hearts to Your Word,
that we may live it and share it with joy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST READING
Daniel 1:1–6, 8–20
📖 Source: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/1
Summary:
Young Israelites—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah—are brought to Babylon. They refuse the king’s food, choosing faithfulness. God blesses them with wisdom greater than all others.
Explanation (Ascension-style):
Daniel remains faithful in a foreign land. He refuses to compromise with pagan culture, even in small things like food. God honors this fidelity and gives wisdom.
Application:
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Stay faithful in daily choices, even when society pushes compromise.
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God blesses perseverance in small acts of obedience.
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Catholic catechumens: holiness begins in daily decisions, not big moments.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Daniel 3:52–56 – “Glory and praise forever!”
📖 Source: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3
Explanation:
The three young men in the fiery furnace praise God even in suffering.
Their worship is not based on comfort but conviction.
Application:
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Praise God even in trials.
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Hard moments can purify our faith.
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God is present in the “fire” with us.
GOSPEL
Luke 21:1–4 — The Widow’s Offering
📖 Source: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21
Summary:
Jesus sees a poor widow giving two small coins. He declares that she gave more than all the wealthy, because she gave from her poverty.
Explanation:
God measures giving not by amount, but sacrifice.
The widow gave her heart, not leftovers.
Her offering shows total trust in God.
Application:
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Give God your heart, not just convenient extras.
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Your “little” becomes great when offered with love.
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Catechumens: discipleship means trusting God fully—time, life, decisions.
MEMORIAL NOTE: ST. ANDREW DŨNG-LẠC & COMPANIONS
These 117 Vietnamese martyrs were priests and laypeople who chose Christ over fear.
Their witness shows:
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Faith is worth more than personal safety
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The Gospel grows through love and sacrifice
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Ordinary Catholics can become extraordinary witnesses
Application today:
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Stand for your faith, even when it’s unpopular
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Live your Catholic identity without shame
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Offer your daily struggles as spiritual sacrifice
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord God,
You strengthened the martyrs of Vietnam with unshakeable courage.
Grant that we, too, may remain faithful in trials,
trusting in Your care like Daniel
and giving ourselves fully like the widow.
May Your Word shape our hearts
and guide us to live as true disciples.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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