St. Francis Xavier, priest

It is impossible to find a saint who did not take the 'two p's' seriously – prayer and penance. 

The "two P's" refer to prayer, a direct form of communication with God,

and penance, which involves acts of self-discipline or atonement to show remorse and devotion.

1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a

On this mountain the Lord Sabaoth

  "My words will not pass away"

that conveys the enduring and permanent nature of his teachings,

even as the physical world fades. 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Daniel 7:2-14

Daniel said,

 The "little ones" are those who approach God with the humility,

openness, and trust of a child,

rather than the pride or self-reliance of the "wise" who have rejected divine authority.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Isaiah 11:1-10

From the stump of Jesse,

 "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,

Whoever takes Communion creates a home."

It means believers are united in Christ, intimate connection with Christ,

he Christian community as a whole.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1st Reading: Isaiah 4:2-6

On that day the Shoot of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

For wisdom because it establishes a foundation of humility, obedience, and worship.

Fearing God is knowing God, and this is where true wisdom lies.

people must submit to God’s will. By doing so, we acquire wisdom.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28*

(...) Under the influence of wine,

 Aabout Jesus glorious return and Isaiah tells the people to " stay awake."

 Saint Paul urges the Christians to await the Lord by walking in the ways of light.

 The Church calls us at the beginning of the new liturgical year

 to look forward to Christ's glorious return, and to the end of time. 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊      

 Isaiah 2:1-5

The vision of Isaiah, 

 St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr

There is nothing we can desire or want that we do not find in Cod.

God is the source of all good things,

and true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God,

rather than in worldly possessions or pleasures.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Daniel 2:31-45*

In your vision

 Christ is considered of judgment and reward.

"while all will be judged"

And will have to give an account of their life.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Daniel 7:15-27

I, Daniel,

  Actions performed with sincere devotion and selflessness are seen and valued by a higher power. 

   Eventually yield "increase, abundance and even overflow". 

St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, and companions, martyrs

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20*

(...) As Daniel was resolved