Daily Readings - Wed Sep 29 2021

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 faith. The first reading from Revelation 12:7-12a depicts a cosmic battle between Michael and the dragon, symbolizing Satan’s defeat. This passage reassures early Christian communities, persecuted and enduring trials, that their ultimate victory is secured through the blood of the Lamb and their steadfast testimony. The Gospel of John 1:47-51 presents a personal encounter where Jesus reveals His divine insight to Nathanael, who, in awe, professes faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus promises Nathanael that he will witness even greater things, symbolizing the ongoing revelation of God’s work in believers’ lives. Both readings, though distinct in context, are united by themes of spiritual conflict and divine triumph. Revelation’s apocalyptic vision addresses the broader struggle between good and evil, offering hope to the afflicted. John’s narrative, set in the context of Jesus’ ministry, illustrates the personal call to faith and discipleship. Together, they remind us that our faith is not passive but active, trusting in God’s power and revelation in our lives. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to recognize the spiritual battles we face, yet to trust in Christ’s victory. Like Nathanael, we are called to embrace faith and openness to God’s revelations. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God’s power, remain faithful, and be open to His workings in our lives. Through Christ, we have already overcome, and we can face challenges with hope and faith, knowing His greater works are yet to be seen.