Daily Readings - Mon Sep 29 2025
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 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.