November 27, 2003, Monday of the 34th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

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

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem.

The Lord handed over to him Johaakim, 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,

you will endanger my life with the king.

Then Daniel said to the steward, whom the chief Chamberlain had put in charge of Daniel,

Hananiah, Michel and Azariah, please test your servants for ten days.

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