November 26.  Vincent continued his explanation by describing Daniel’s own visions. This section of the book is part of the Catholic canon. The message and content of these was similar to the dreams of the kings about the different kingdoms. The context again was to give encouragement in the later period of persecution and loss of their freedom.  In a vision Daniel saw four great strange beasts come out of the sea and grow larger and more frightening. The fourth beast had horns which were displaced by one small horn which overcame the others. After the beasts he saw fiery thrones and ‘one like an ancient of days took his place. 

Thousands upon thousands of people served him. At night “behold with the clouds of heaven one like a son of man came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him and to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him. His dominion shall not pass away and his kingdom is one that shall not be destroyed.“    Daniel 7.  Pope Francis:  The prophetic books of the Old Testament predicted that the joy of salvation would abound in messianic times.  Prophets Isaiah, Zechariah, Zephaniah presented God with his people in the midst of a celebration. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives you the victory.  He will renew you in his love.”  EG4