Daily Readings - Thu Sep 29 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith in our lives. The first reading from Revelation 12:7-12a vividly describes a cosmic battle where Michael defeats Satan, casting him out of heaven. This passage, rich in apocalyptic imagery, reassures us of God's ultimate victory, offering hope amidst life's challenges. The Gospel from John 1:47-51 shifts focus to a personal encounter, where Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus' promise of greater things to come inspires faith and trust in God's plan.
Both readings, though different in context, share a common theme of trust and faith. Revelation addresses the early Christian communities' struggles with persecution, using symbolic imagery to convey God's triumph. John's narrative highlights individual faith, as Nathanael's recognition of Jesus exemplifies trust in the divine. Together, they remind us that our personal struggles are part of a larger cosmic narrative, where good ultimately prevails.
In daily life, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, especially when faced with adversity. Like Nathanael, we are called to recognize Jesus as our savior and embrace faith, even when the path is unclear. The moral lesson here is one of hope and trust—knowing that through faith in Jesus, we can overcome evil and find strength in God's assured victory. Let us live with hope, trusting in God's plan and open to the greater things He has in store.