Daily Readings - Tue Sep 29 2020
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 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.