Daily Readings - Sat Sep 29 2018
First Reading - Revelation 12.7-12a or Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14
Revelation
7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Daniel
9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.10A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
John
47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.50Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.51And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of spiritual struggle and the recognition of divine authority. The first reading from Revelation 12:7-12a describes a cosmic battle where Michael and the angels defeat Satan, casting him out of heaven. This symbolic passage reassures early Christians, and us today, that despite earthly challenges, God's sovereignty prevails. The followers of God overcome Satan through their faith and sacrifice, embodying the resilience of the faithful amidst adversity.
The Gospel reading, John 1:47-51, shifts focus to a personal encounter. Jesus commends Nathanael for his sincerity and reveals His divine knowledge, leading Nathanael to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. This moment highlights the importance of personal faith and the transformative power of encountering Christ. The fig tree, a symbol of prayer and study, underscores Jesus' insight into Nathanael's heart, illustrating how Christ sees beyond the surface into our deepest selves.
Both readings intertwine the themes of spiritual warfare and divine recognition. Revelation offers a broader view of cosmic conflict, while John focuses on individual faith. Together, they remind us that our daily struggles are part of a larger spiritual landscape. Just as Nathanael trusted in Jesus, we too can find strength in our faith, recognizing Christ's presence in our lives. This recognition empowers us to overcome challenges, trusting in God's plan and His ultimate triumph over evil. Let us embrace this faith, allowing it to guide us through life's trials, knowing that in Christ, we are victorious.