The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, invite us to have faith that our efforts to live a virtuous life will prepare us to be open to love, compassion, and mercy on our journey.
The First Reading continues the Book of Daniel Visions of defeat for the Seleucid empire.
* [7:1–27] This vision continues the motif of the four kingdoms from chap. 2; see note on 2:36–45. To the four succeeding world kingdoms, Babylonian, Median, Persian, and Greek, is opposed the heavenly kingdom of God and the kingdom of God’s people on earth. The beast imagery of this chapter has been used extensively in the Book of Revelation, where it is applied to the Roman empire, the persecutor of the Church.
* [7:18] “Holy ones” in Hebrew and Aramaic literature are nearly always members of the heavenly court or angels (cf. 4:10, 14, 20; 8:13), though here the term is commonly taken to refer to Israel.
* [7:25] The reference is to the persecution of Antiochus IV and specifically to the disruption of the Temple cult (1 Mc 1:41–64). A time, two times, and half a time: an indefinite, evil period of time. Probably here, three and a half years, which becomes the standard period of tribulation in apocalyptic literature (Rev 11:2; 13:5 [in months]; 11:3 [in days]; and cf. 12:14). As seven is the Jewish “perfect” number, half of it signifies great imperfection. Actually, the Temple was desecrated for three years (1 Mc 4:52–54). The duration of the persecution was a little longer, since it was already under way before the Temple was desecrated. (Daniel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)
Daniel 3:82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 are part of 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 is an Exhortation to Be Vigilant.
* [21:24] The times of the Gentiles: a period of indeterminate length separating the destruction of Jerusalem from the cosmic signs accompanying the coming of the Son of Man.
* [21:26] The powers of the heavens: the heavenly bodies mentioned in Lk 21:25 and thought of as cosmic armies. (Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)
Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ, comments that the scriptures during these days turn our attention to what ultimately matters: our final destiny and the kind of life we are choosing to live.
In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks directly to this. He asks us not to drift through life unprepared, but to stay awake, to live with intention, to allow his teachings to take root in our choices. His invitation is not meant to frighten us but to awaken us. We often know what we should do to deepen our relationship with God, but we put it off, consciously or unconsciously. We tell ourselves that we are too busy or that we will get serious later. But “later” has a way of slipping through our fingers. Jesus’ words call us to live differently. He exhorts us to be vigilant and pray for strength during our trials and tribulations. (Cardoso, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Drunkenness weakens both soul and body,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"'But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare.' You heard the proclamation of the eternal King. You learned the deplorable end of 'drunkenness' or 'intoxication'. Imagine a skilled and wise physician who would say, 'Beware, no one should drink too much from this or that herb. If he does, he will suddenly be destroyed.' I do not doubt that everyone would keep the prescriptions of the physician's warning concerning his own health. Now the Lord, who is both the physician of souls and bodies, orders them to avoid as a deadly drink the herb 'of drunkenness' and the vice 'of intoxication' and also the care of worldly matters. I do not know if any one can say that he is not wounded, because these things consume him.
"Drunkenness is therefore destructive in all things. It is the only thing that weakens the soul together with the body. According to the apostle, it can happen that when the body 'is weak,' then the spirit is 'much stronger' (2 Corinthians 12:10), and when 'the exterior person is destroyed, the interior person is renewed' (2 Corinthians 4:16). In the illness of drunkenness, the body and the soul are destroyed at the same time. The spirit is corrupted equally with the flesh. All the members are weakened: the feet and the hands. The tongue is loosened. Darkness covers the eyes. Forgetfulness covers the mind so that one does not know himself nor does he perceive he is a person. Drunkenness of the body has that shamefulness." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 7.5-6) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 21:34-36 comments that an openhearted approach to life doesn’t come easily, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But it can grow as we try to live every day in the peace of Christ and as we immerse ourselves in his presence in prayer. Staying connected to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we will gradually become more peaceful ourselves.
Try it today. Close your eyes, and take three long, deep breaths. With each inhale and exhale, slowly repeat the key verse in today’s responsorial psalm: “Bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever” (Daniel 3:82). Let his peace wash over you and calm your fears and anxieties. You belong to Christ, and he has you in the palm of his hand!
“Jesus, help me to face today with an open heart, filled with trust in you.” (Schwager, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Daniel 7 is a continuation of the vision of the Son of Man receiving power. The people were persecuted by the Seleucid empire. Even though terrible things would happen, nevertheless the kingship of God will reign. They will win. The Gospel of Luke declares that we should be ready and not be caught unawares. Friar Jude urges that when the end comes, there is nothing left unsaid, and nothing left undone in our lives. We should live, now, as if the end is at hand.
Fr. Mike Schmitz begins with Acts 12 and the miraculous rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Reflecting on this story, Fr. Mike helps us grapple with the mysterious reality that we are each called to say "Yes" to God’s destination for us, even when we might not know the way. Lastly, Fr. Mike delves into St. Paul's hard teachings to the Corinthians on sexuality morality and excommunication. Today's readings are Acts 12, 1 Corinthians 5-6, and Proverbs 28:1-3.
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Episcopal priest Laurie Brock who invites us to reflect on our relationship with the things we use every day and how our gratitude might help us discover the sacred significance they hold.
What are the ordinary things in your daily life that you often overlook? Sitting in a quiet place in your home, office, or even outside, let your gaze wander, noticing a few items. Slowly allow your attention to rest on one. What task or chore does it help you accomplish? How does it help you in your daily life? What challenges would appear without this item?
Turning your thoughts toward your faith, what parts of your faith are easy to overlook? Perhaps it’s a prayer you’ve said over and over or a hymn you’ve heard so many times you don’t pay attention to the words anymore. Maybe it’s a routine like seeing the candles lit before worship. How might the object you’re seeing now remind you of the value of the ordinary and routine in your faith? How does ordinariness help you experience God? How might you offer gratitude for this object? [2] (Rohr, n.d.)
We seek the help of the Spirit, at this time of year, to remind us to stop, take a breath, observe love, and proceed to our Advent anticipation of Christmas.
References
Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-29-2025
Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3?82
Daniel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/7?15
Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21?34
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Practicing Gratitude: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/practicing-gratitude-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lest Your Hearts Be Weighed Down. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
Word Among Us. (n.d.). Meditation on Luke 21:34-36. Retrieved November 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/29/1436986/
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