December 1, 2003, Friday of the 34th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Daniel.

In a vision, I, Daniel, so during the night the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea,

from which emerged four immense beasts, each different from

the others. The first was like a lion, but with eagle's wings. While I watched, the wings were plucked,

it was raised from the ground to stand on two feet like a man, and given a human mind. The second was like a bear. It was raised

up on one side, and among the teeth in its mouth were three tusks. It was given the order,

up, devour much flesh. After this, I looked and saw another beast like a leopard. On its back were four wings

like those of a bird, and it had four heads. To this beast, dominion was given. After this,

in the visions of the night, I saw the fourth beast, different from all the others, terrifying,

horrible, and of extraordinary strength.

It had great iron teeth, with which it devoured and crushed, and what was left it trampled

with its feet.

I was considering the ten horns it had, when suddenly another, a little horn, sprang out of

their midst, and three of the previous horns were torn away to make room for it.

This horn had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke arrogantly.

As I watched, thrones were set up, and the ancient one took his throne. His clothing was snow bright,

and the hair on his head as white as wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of burning fire.

A surging stream of fire float out from where he sat.

Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.

I watched then, from the first of the arrogant words which the horn spoke until the beast was slain and its body thrown into

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