Daily Mass Readings – Monday, 22 November 2027

1 In the third year of the reign of Joakim king of Juda, Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2 And the Lord delivered into his hands Joakim the king of Juda, and part of the vessels of the house of God: and he carried them away into the land of Sennaar, to the house of his god, and the vessels he brought into the treasure house of his god.

3 And the king spoke to Asphenez the master of the eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed and of the princes,

4 Children in whom there was no blemish, well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, acute in knowledge, and instructed in science, and such as might stand in the king’s palace, that he might teach them the learning, and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them a daily provision, of his own meat, and of the wine of which he drank himself, that being nourished three years, afterwards they might stand before the king.

6 Now there were among them of the children of Juda, Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias.

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not be defiled with the king’s table, nor with the wine which he drank: and he requested the master of the eunuchs that he might not be defiled.

9 And God gave to Daniel grace and mercy in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs.

10 And the prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel: I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed you meat and drink: who if he should see your faces leaner than those of the other youths your equals, you shall endanger my head to the king.

11 And Daniel said to Malasar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias:

12 Try, I beseech thee, thy servants for ten days, and let pulse be given us to eat, and water to drink:

13 And look upon our faces, and the faces of the children that eat of the king’s meat: and as thou shalt see, deal with thy servants.

14 And when he had heard these words, he tried them for ten days.

15 And after ten days their faces appeared fairer and fatter than all the children that ate of the king’s meat.

16 So Malasar took their portions, and the wine that they should drink: and he gave them pulse.

17 And to these children God gave knowledge, and understanding in every book, and wisdom: but to Daniel the understanding also of all visions and dreams.

18 And when the days were ended, after which the king had ordered they should be brought in: the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nabuchodonosor.

19 And when the king had spoken to them, there were not found among them all such as Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias: and they stood in the king’s presence.

20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the diviners, and wise men, that were in all his kingdom.

R. (52b) Glory and praise for ever!

52 Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever: and blessed is the holy name of thy glory: and worthy to be praised, and exalted above all in all ages.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

53 Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory: and exceedingly to be praised, and exceeding glorious for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

54 Blessed art thou on the throne of thy kingdom, and exceedingly to be praised, and exalted above all for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

55 Blessed art thou, that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

56 Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

42a, 44 Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And looking on, he saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury.

2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites.

3 And he said: Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

4 For all these have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God: but she of her want, hath cast in all the living that she had.

Daniel and the poor widow reveal a faith that belongs wholly to God. Daniel lives in exile, surrounded by the power and customs of Babylon, yet he quietly resolves not to be defiled. His fidelity is neither boastful nor reckless: he makes a humble request, and God gives him grace and wisdom. The widow, standing among the wealthy, places two small coins in the treasury. Jesus sees that her offering contains her whole livelihood.

Together, these witnesses show that faithfulness is measured by the heart’s surrender, not by outward importance. The psalm praises God as Lord above every kingdom, and the call to stay awake urges us to remain attentive to him even when worldly powers seem dominant. Christian discipleship often takes shape in hidden decisions: guarding what keeps us faithful, offering what we can, and trusting God with the cost. A small act done with a whole heart is never small before the Lord.

Lord God, you remain worthy of praise in every place and beyond every earthly power. Give me Daniel’s steadfastness, so that I may remain faithful when other values press upon me. Give me the widow’s generous heart, willing to place my life and resources in your hands without seeking recognition. Keep me awake to your presence and attentive to the quiet opportunities where love and trust are required. When my offering seems small, teach me to surrender it sincerely. Receive my whole heart, deepen my wisdom, and help me live for your glory. Amen.