The Word today, 34 Christ the KingC
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November 24 - November 29, 2025
Sts Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his Companions, martyrs
Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 The book of Daniel is a book of protest, written in symbol or code. On the surface, it is about the time of Nebuchadnezzar, but in reality it is about the Syrian tyrant and persecutor, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. As in the time of Antiochus, the food laws were a test.
Luke 21:1-4 In an abbreviated version of a familiar story, Luke takes us to the heart of the matter of giving from within.
St Clement I, bishop of Rome, martyr; St Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr
Daniel 2:31-45 Daniel is shown to be an interpreter of dreams. The real message is that seemingly all-powerful and ever-lasting systems of oppression come crashing down, without exception.
Luke 21:5-11 It is easy to misread the sign of the times and so Jesus warns his followers—and us —not to be deceived, especially by those making extravagant spiritual claims.
Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 Our expression “the writing on the wall” comes from this very famous story—a highly theatrical tale. The king is punished for robbing the Temple and Daniel interprets for him the fearful writing on the wall: you too will come crashing down!!
Luke 21:12-19 Our Gospel paints a picture of great distress and yet, in the last two sentences, provides the very message of hope we so badly need in our time.
St Fergal, bishop and missionary
Daniel 6:12-28 In today’s story, the issue is worship of false gods. At the time of writing, Jews were persecuted and worship of their God was prohibited. The king is converted, but, as we see, not to compassion and mercy!
Luke 21:20-28 Jesus, in full apocalyptic mode, assures us that the struggles of the end are to be seen as labour pains, leading to new birth. The end is therefore not “the end.”
Daniel 7:2-14 Where did Jesus get the expression Son of Man from? In part from this very vision in the book of Daniel. Heavenly judgment is in progress and the mediator between God and humans is precisely “one like a son of man.”
Luke 21:29-33 Reading the signs of the times is the task of us all, that we may know the kingdom of God among us. It is not always easy.
Daniel 7:15-27 The message—in coded language—is the present seemingly everlasting oppression will come to a crashing end.
Luke 21:34-36 The final warning of the liturgical year is one of watchfulness. It would be easy to settle for a sentient existence, sleepwalking through life and satiating ourselves with distractions. We are called to greater awareness—and life!—than that.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025cu, November 23). The solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings
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