"Thank the Lord for giving us the strength to carry on."

This is an expression of gratitude, It reflects a belief that divine power enables perseverance.

Acknowledging that God provides the strength and courage needed to endure through difficult times.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Daniel 6:12-28*

(...) The king, therefore,

Could not help giving the order that Daniel be brought and thrown into the lions' den.

The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve faithfully, save you."

A stone was placed at the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with that of his nobles,

so that Daniel's situation might remain unchanged. Then the king returned to his palace and spent a sleepless night,

refusing food and entertainment. Very early next morning, he rose and hurried to the lions' den.

As he came near he called in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God,

did your God whom you serve faithfully save you from the lions?"

 

Daniel answered, "Live forever, O king! My God sent his angel who closed the lions' mouths so that they did not hurt me.

God did that because I am innocent in his sight. Neither have I wronged you, O king."

The king felt very glad and ordered Daniel released from the lions' den. No wound was found on him for he had trusted in his God.

At the king's order, the men who had accused Daniel were thrown into the lions' den, together with their wives and children. (...)

 

King Darius wrote to the nations, to peoples of every language, "Peace to you all!

I decree that throughout my kingdom people should reverence and fear the God of Daniel.

"For he is the living God, and forever he endures; his kingdom will not be crushed, his dominion will never cease.

He rescues and he delivers; he performs signs and wonders both in heaven and on earth.

And he came to Daniel's rescue, saving him from the lions' tooth and claw." (...)

 

Dn 3:68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74

Give glory and eternal praise to him.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Luke 21:20-28

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that the time has come when it will be reduced to a wasteland.

If you are in Judea, flee to the mountains! If you are in Jerusalem, leave! If you are outside the city, don't enter it!

For these will be the days of its punishment, and all that was announced in the Scriptures will be fulfilled.

How hard will it be for pregnant women, and for mothers with babies at the breast! For a great calamity will come upon the land,

and wrath upon this people. They will be put to death by the sword, or taken as slaves to other nations;

and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the pagans, until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.

 

Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations,

perplexed when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves. People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world,

for the forces of the universe will be shaken. Then, at that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

So, when you see things begin to happen, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"Thank the Lord for giving us the strength to carry on."

Many people today in the Philippines will celebrate Pasasalamat or Thanksgiving Day.

While the date matches the American celebration, Thanksgiving is also celebrated in the Philippines at other times,

when a special occasion arises in a family. Thus, the holiday is celebrated to praise the Lord for His blessings, regardless of the time of the year.

What are you grateful to God for? Reflect upon the many blessings in your life, especially those you take for granted.

Today, we read how Daniel is saved by the Lord from the lions' jaws.

Perhaps the Lord has delivered you from a period of trial, and now it's time to thank him for his help.

 

Perhaps you're still in a time of difficulty, but there's still cause for gratitude.

The Gospel describes the emotions that people will experience as they face wars and calamities before the Lord returns.

But the Lord says we are not to be afraid, "for [our] deliverance is drawing near." In times of trial,

let's thank the Lord for giving us the strength to carry on,

and for strengthening our hope that he will deliver us from our sorrows in this life and in the life to come.