Daily Readings - Sat Sep 29 2018

First Reading - Revelation 12.7-12a or Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14

⁷And there was a great battle in heaven. Michael and his Angels were battling with the dragon, and the dragon was fighting, and so were his angels⁸But they did not prevail, and a place for them was no longer found in heaven⁹And he was thrown out, that great dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduces the whole world. And he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him¹⁰And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying: "Now have arrived salvation and virtue and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been cast down, he who accused them before our God day and night¹¹And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of his testimony. And they loved not their own lives, even unto death¹²Because of this, rejoice, O heavens, and all who dwell within it. Woe to the earth and to the sea! For the devil has descended to you, holding great anger, knowing that he has little time.

Daniel

Chapter 7

⁹I watched until thrones were set up, and the ancient of days sat down. His garment was radiant like snow, and the hair of his head like clean wool; his throne was flames of fire, its wheels had been set on fire¹⁰A river of fire rushed forth from his presence. Thousands upon thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times hundreds of thousands attended before him. The trial began, and the books were opened¹³I watched, therefore, in the vision of the night, and behold, with the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man arrived, and he approached all the way to the ancient of days, and they presented him before him¹⁴And he gave him power, and honor, and the kingdom, and all peoples, tribes, and languages will serve him. His power is an eternal power, which will not be taken away, and his kingdom, one which will not be corrupted

John

Chapter 1

⁴⁷Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and he said about him, "Behold, an Israelite in whom truly there is no deceit.⁴⁸Nathanael said to him, "From where do you know me?" Jesus responded and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.⁴⁹Nathanael answered him and said: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.⁵⁰Jesus responded and said to him: "Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, you believe. Greater things than these, you will see.⁵¹And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the Angels of God ascending and descending over the Son of man.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of spiritual struggle and the recognition of divine authority. The first reading from Revelation 12:7-12a describes a cosmic battle where Michael and the angels defeat Satan, casting him out of heaven. This symbolic passage reassures early Christians, and us today, that despite earthly challenges, God's sovereignty prevails. The followers of God overcome Satan through their faith and sacrifice, embodying the resilience of the faithful amidst adversity. The Gospel reading, John 1:47-51, shifts focus to a personal encounter. Jesus commends Nathanael for his sincerity and reveals His divine knowledge, leading Nathanael to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. This moment highlights the importance of personal faith and the transformative power of encountering Christ. The fig tree, a symbol of prayer and study, underscores Jesus' insight into Nathanael's heart, illustrating how Christ sees beyond the surface into our deepest selves. Both readings intertwine the themes of spiritual warfare and divine recognition. Revelation offers a broader view of cosmic conflict, while John focuses on individual faith. Together, they remind us that our daily struggles are part of a larger spiritual landscape. Just as Nathanael trusted in Jesus, we too can find strength in our faith, recognizing Christ's presence in our lives. This recognition empowers us to overcome challenges, trusting in God's plan and His ultimate triumph over evil. Let us embrace this faith, allowing it to guide us through life's trials, knowing that in Christ, we are victorious.