Daily Readings - Mon Sep 29 2025

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

Revelation

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

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

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 God's plan. The first reading from Revelation depicts a cosmic battle where Michael and the angels defeat Satan, casting him out of heaven. This passage, part of John's apocalyptic vision, symbolizes the ultimate victory of good over evil, achieved through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of the faithful. It reminds us that our struggles are not merely earthly but have a heavenly dimension, and that God's victory is assured. The Gospel from John presents a different yet complementary scene. Here, Jesus meets Nathanael, who, upon recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, is promised even greater revelations. This encounter emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and the profound spiritual insights available to those who follow Him. It highlights the importance of individual recognition of Jesus in our lives and the deeper truths He reveals to those who trust Him. Both readings remind us that our faith is rooted in God's triumph and Jesus' revelation. In our daily lives, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, but we are called to trust in God's ultimate victory. Like Nathanael, we are invited to recognize Jesus in our midst and to trust in His plan. The moral lesson here is one of faith and trust: even amidst adversity, we can find hope and strength in God's promise of triumph. Let us embrace this truth, living with the confidence that comes from knowing we are part of a larger, divine narrative.