The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live with gratitude and grace as we confront the persecution from people and politics who are unable to respond to today’s “writing on the wall”
The Reading from the Book of Daniel shares interpretation of the Writing on the Wall.
* [5:2] Nebuchadnezzar, his father: between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar several kings ruled in Babylon. Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, and he acted as regent in Babylon during his father’s absence.
* [5:25] MENE, TEKEL, and PERES: these seem to be the Aramaic names of weights and monetary values: the mina, the shekel (the sixtieth part of a mina), and the parsu (a half-mina).
* [5:26–28] Daniel interprets these three terms by a play on the words: MENE, connected with the verb meaning to number; TEKEL, with the verb meaning to weigh; PERES, with the verb meaning to divide. There is also a play on the last term with the word for Persians. (Daniel, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)
Daniel 3 are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel,
* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures. (Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of Luke foretells The Coming Persecution.
* [21:12] Before all this happens…: to Luke and his community, some of the signs of the end just described (Lk 21:10–11) still lie in the future. Now in dealing with the persecution of the disciples (Lk 21:12–19) and the destruction of Jerusalem (Lk 21:20–24) Luke is pointing to eschatological signs that have already been fulfilled.
* [21:15] A wisdom in speaking: literally, “a mouth and wisdom.” (Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)
Greg Dyche researched today’s texts and comments that Jesus warns us of hard times. Jesus is telling him to have endurance, to remain under the command in battle to “hold the line.”
He says I will have the opportunity to testify, not by words. I will testify by holding the line. The endurance through trial itself is the witness. People are watching, and my example is God’s message. Like Zig Ziglar is fond of saying, “What you do speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you are saying.” How am I to endure? I am to endure with gratitude and praise, just like the three in the furnace. (Dyche, 2025)
Don Schwager quotes “The faithful Christian is recognized by belief in the resurrection of the body,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"We should have no doubt that our mortal flesh also will rise again at the end of the world... This is the Christian faith. This is the Catholic faith. This is the apostolic faith. Believe Christ when he says, 'Not a hair of your head shall perish' Putting aside all unbelief, consider how valuable you are. How can our Redeemer despise any person when he cannot despise a hair of that person's head? How are we going to doubt that he intends to give eternal life to our soul and body? He took on a soul and body in which to die for us, which he laid down for us when he died and which he took up again that we might not fear death." (excerpt from Sermon 214.11-12) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 comments that we still need to be on guard lest we fall into other forms of rebellion.
Today, ask the Spirit to search your heart and show you if there are any ways you are “rebelling” against God or his will for you. If you detect something, ask him for forgiveness and the grace to start anew. His mercy is always available whenever you stray.
God’s message is not just handwriting on a wall. It’s the good news of a crucified and risen Savior! By his grace, you don’t have to rebel. You can be a faithful and devoted servant who loves Jesus, listens for his voice, and does the Father’s will.
“Jesus, help me to follow you all the days of my life.” (Meditation on Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that Daniel 5 is the story of the son of Nebuchadnezzar who uses the sacred vessels in Babylon in 539 BCE to proclaim that Seleucid persecution in 155 BCE would end. The text contains some historic inaccuracies. Daniel gets the name of the king of Babylon at that time wrong. He wanted to proclaim that the Seleucid persecution would come to an end. The Gospel of Luke notes that Christians will be persecuted and even handed over by relatives. Friar Jude suggests that a time of great tribulation may be in everyday life in a society that does not accept our values as we respond to carry the Cross each day.
Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down Saul's miraculous conversion, explaining the significance of Jesus sending Ananias to heal Saul, and how it reveals that Jesus works through his Church just as powerfully as he worked through the incarnation. Fr. Mike also reminds us that if we belong to the Lord, we will have to participate in his suffering. Lastly, as we conclude St. Paul's letter to the Romans, Fr. Mike leaves us with the exhortation that the Gospel advances primarily through family and friendship. Today's readings are Acts 9, Romans 15-16, and Proverbs 27:18-20.
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Christine D. Pohl who describes how gratitude impacts our relationships with others. When our lives are shaped by gratitude, we’re more likely to notice the goodness and beauty in everyday things. We are content; we feel blessed and are eager to confer blessing. We are able to delight in the very existence of another human being.
When we more fully understand the grace we’ve received, we are able to turn outward in gratitude and generosity. Gratitude becomes “our home in the presence of God,” or, in Henri Nouwen’s words, an “intimate participation in the Divine Life itself” that “reaches out far beyond our own self to God, to all of creation, to the people who gave us life, love, and care.” [1] (Rohr, n.d.)
We thank the Spirit for the Wisdom to practice “gratitude and affirmation” as our response to the events of the day as we follow the Way.
References
Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3?62
Daniel, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/5?1
Dyche, G. (2025, November 26). Daily Reflection November 26, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-26-2025
Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21?12
Meditation on Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/26/1435452/
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Gratitude, Grace, and Relationship. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/gratitude-grace-and-relationship/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Not a Hair of Your Head Will Perish. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 26, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
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