Daily Readings - Tue Sep 29 2020
First Reading - Revelation 12.7-12a or Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14
Revelation
7Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back,8but he was defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.9And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world--he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.10And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.11And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.12Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"
Daniel
9As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.10A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.13I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.14And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
John
47Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"48Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."49Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"50Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."51And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on 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.