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 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
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.