November 24, 2025.

Memorial of St. Andrew Dunglock, priest, and companions, martyrs.

A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, King of Judah,

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem.

The Lord handed over to him, Joheyequim, king of Judah, and some of the vessels of the

temple of God. He carried them off to the land of Shainar and placed the vessels in the temple

treasury of his god.

The king told Ashpenaz, his chief Chamberlain, to bring in some of the children of Israel

of royal blood and of the nobility, young men without any defect, handsome, intelligent and wise,

quick to learn, and prudent in judgment, such as

could take their place in the king's palace.

They were to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

After three years' training, they were to enter the king's service.

The king allotted them a daily portion of food and

wine from the royal table. Among these were men of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Michael, and Azariah.

But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king's food or wine, so he begged

the Chief Chamberlain to spare him this defilement.

Though God had given Daniel the favor and sympathy of the Chief Chamberlain, he nevertheless

said to Daniel, �I am afraid of my lord the king.

It is he who allotted your food and drink.

If he sees that you look wretched by comparison with the other young men of your age,

...