Daily Readings - Mon Sep 29 2025
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 God's plan. The first reading from Revelation depicts a cosmic battle where Michael and the angels defeat Satan, casting him out of heaven. This passage, part of John's apocalyptic vision, symbolizes the ultimate victory of good over evil, achieved through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of the faithful. It reminds us that our struggles are not merely earthly but have a heavenly dimension, and that God's victory is assured.
The Gospel from John presents a different yet complementary scene. Here, Jesus meets Nathanael, who, upon recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, is promised even greater revelations. This encounter emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and the profound spiritual insights available to those who follow Him. It highlights the importance of individual recognition of Jesus in our lives and the deeper truths He reveals to those who trust Him.
Both readings remind us that our faith is rooted in God's triumph and Jesus' revelation. In our daily lives, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, but we are called to trust in God's ultimate victory. Like Nathanael, we are invited to recognize Jesus in our midst and to trust in His plan. The moral lesson here is one of faith and trust: even amidst adversity, we can find hope and strength in God's promise of triumph. Let us embrace this truth, living with the confidence that comes from knowing we are part of a larger, divine narrative.