On November 24, the Church calls us to reflect on faithfulness under pressure and simple, generous trust. The first reading from Daniel tells the story of young exiles in Babylon who refuse to abandon their identity and convictions, even in a foreign land.
In the Gospel, Jesus points to the poor widow who gives all she has — not out of plenty, but out of deep trust in God.
As we pray today, may we be inspired by their courage and humility, and may we offer ourselves to God with the same unwavering devotion.
Prayer of the Day
Lord God,
You call us to faithfulness in all circumstances, even when the world seems to demand conformity.
Grant us the courage to remain true to You, like Daniel and his friends,
and the generosity to give from the depths of our hearts, like the widow who offered all she had.
Help us to trust You above all else,
to stand firm when tested,
and to live with integrity and compassion.
May our lives be a living sacrifice, pleasing to You,
and may we always place our hope in You alone.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Mass Reading of the Day
Here are the readings for Monday, November 24, according to the Catholic lectionary:
- First Reading: Daniel 1:1–6, 8–20 — Daniel and his companions refuse to defile themselves with the king’s food, trusting God.
- Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52–56 — A psalm of praise addressed to God who “lifts up the lowly.”
- Gospel: Luke 21:1–4 — Jesus observes the rich giving in the temple treasury, then praises the poor widow whose two small coins represent true sacrifice.
Saint of the Day: St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions
St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc is one of the Vietnamese Martyrs, a group of Catholics who gave their lives for the faith in Vietnam during the 19th century. He was born in Vietnam and became a priest. Throughout his life, he committed to serving his people, spreading the Gospel, and caring for the Christian community.
During a time of severe persecution, Andrew Dũng-Lạc and many of his companions were arrested for their faith. Despite facing enormous suffering, he remained steadfast. He was subjected to brutal torture and eventually martyred, offering his life for Christ and his mission.
His witness, along with that of his companions, has become a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and fidelity to the Gospel. Their feast is celebrated to remind us that following Jesus may come at a high cost — but in giving our lives for Him, we find true life.
Facts About St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc (and his Companions)
- Andrew Dũng-Lạc was a Vietnamese priest and martyr.
- He lived during a period when Christians in Vietnam were heavily persecuted.
- He belonged to the group known as the Vietnamese Martyrs, many of whom died between the 18th and 19th centuries.
- He was arrested for practicing and spreading the Catholic faith.
- He endured torture rather than renounce his beliefs.
- He was executed for refusing to abandon Christianity.
- His feast day (along with his companions) is November 24.
- The Vietnamese Martyrs include both clergy and laypeople.
- Their canonization came as a recognition of their heroic virtues and sacrifice.
- Today, they are honored not only in Vietnam but worldwide, as witnesses of faith and courage.
