Daily Readings - Tue Sep 29 2020

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 two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of spiritual warfare and the triumph of divine grace. The first reading from Revelation depicts a cosmic battle where Michael and the angels defeat the dragon, symbolizing Satan, who is cast out of heaven. This passage reminds us of the ultimate victory of God over evil, a victory secured through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The second reading from John's Gospel presents a more intimate encounter, as Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus' promise to Nathanael of "greater things" than he has yet seen underscores the boundless possibilities of faith and the revelation of God's glory. These readings, though distinct in tone and context, are deeply connected. Revelation's apocalyptic vision of cosmic warfare finds its fulfillment in the personal encounter with Jesus in John's Gospel. Both texts emphasize the triumph of God's power over evil and the transformative impact of faith. In Revelation, the victory is won through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of the faithful, while in John, Nathanael's simple act of faith opens his eyes to the divine reality present in Jesus. Together, they remind us that our struggles, whether cosmic or personal, are met with God's decisive intervention and grace. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's power and to live with courage and hope. Like the faithful in Revelation, we must remain steadfast in our testimony, knowing that our struggles are not in vain. Like Nathanael, we are invited to approach Jesus with openness and humility, allowing his revelation to transform our lives. In a world often marked by darkness and division, these readings remind us of the ultimate victory of light over darkness and the transformative power of faith. May we, like Nathanael, declare with conviction, "You are the Son of God," and may our lives reflect the hope and joy that come from knowing God's triumph over all evil.