Daily Readings - Fri Sep 29 2017
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 and his angels fought back.8But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.9The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.11They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.12Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."
Daniel
9"As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.10A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.13"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.14He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
John
47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."50Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that."51He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Sermon
The first reading from Revelation paints a dramatic scene of a cosmic battle between good and evil. Michael and the angels of heaven defeat the dragon, Satan, who is cast out of heaven and thrown down to earth. This passage is not just about a battle; it’s about the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over evil. The dragon, representing Satan, is the deceiver of the world, but his power is limited and his time is short. The reading reminds us that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of faith. Even in the face of evil, we are called to trust in God’s victory and to rejoice in His kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus meets Nathanael, who is initially skeptical but quickly comes to faith when Jesus reveals his knowledge of Nathanael’s life. Jesus sees Nathanael under the fig tree, a moment that speaks of intimacy and divine knowledge. Nathanael’s response, “You are the Son of God, the King of Israel,” shows the depth of his faith. Jesus then promises Nathanael that he will see even greater things—Angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. This passage invites us to reflect on our own encounters with Jesus. Do we, like Nathanael, allow ourselves to be seen and known by God? Do we trust in His divine plan, even when we cannot fully understand it?
Both readings invite us to live with faith and hope in the midst of life’s challenges. The battle between good and evil is real, but we know that God has already won the war through the sacrifice of His Son. Like Nathanael, we are called to trust in Jesus, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. Let us remember that our strength lies not in our own efforts, but in the power of God’s love and mercy. As we navigate the ups and downs of daily life, may we always turn to Him, knowing that He sees us, knows us, and guides us toward His kingdom.