Daily Readings - Thu Sep 29 2022
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 readings today invite us to reflect on the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith in our lives. The first reading from Revelation 12:7-12a vividly describes a cosmic battle where Michael defeats Satan, casting him out of heaven. This passage, rich in apocalyptic imagery, reassures us of God's ultimate victory, offering hope amidst life's challenges. The Gospel from John 1:47-51 shifts focus to a personal encounter, where Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus' promise of greater things to come inspires faith and trust in God's plan.
Both readings, though different in context, share a common theme of trust and faith. Revelation addresses the early Christian communities' struggles with persecution, using symbolic imagery to convey God's triumph. John's narrative highlights individual faith, as Nathanael's recognition of Jesus exemplifies trust in the divine. Together, they remind us that our personal struggles are part of a larger cosmic narrative, where good ultimately prevails.
In daily life, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, especially when faced with adversity. Like Nathanael, we are called to recognize Jesus as our savior and embrace faith, even when the path is unclear. The moral lesson here is one of hope and trust—knowing that through faith in Jesus, we can overcome evil and find strength in God's assured victory. Let us live with hope, trusting in God's plan and open to the greater things He has in store.