26th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Dan 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12a
As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Gospel: Jn 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
ANGELS OF GOD: On this day we celebrate the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, we listen to Jesus speak about heaven and the angels in relation to the Son of Man; “…you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” The significant roles these messengers of God played in the entire history of salvation is linked to their names; Michael (Who is like God?), Gabriel (Strength of God) and Raphael (Medicine of God). The prayer of Saint Michael the Archangel reminds us of his war against Satan in which he emerged victorious (Rev. 12:7–10). And so, we invoke his help against the wickedness and snares of the evil one. It was Gabriel who announced the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. In difficult moments, Raphael helped Tobit and his household (Tobit 12:15-22). Today’s celebration reminds us of God’s closeness to us through the angles.
Prayer – Lord, in and through Christ, Emmanuel, you are always present with us. Help us to recognize and value the presence of your angels whom you send us for specific purposes.
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CALLED TO BE MESSENGERS: Jesus calls everyone in a unique way, giving each the mandate to preach the Good News. How do we respond to this calling? Today, we see Jesus conversing with Nathanael who was brought to Him by Philip. Philip became a messenger of the Good News to Nathanael, a true Israelite who could not believe that the Messiah could come from Nazareth. Upon meeting Jesus however, he believed. God sent His Angels to bring news to the one He had chosen. When chosen by God you will recognize His voice and His presence in your life. As we celebrate the feast of the Archangels: Gabriel, the messenger of good news, Raphael, the healer and Michael, the protector of God’s people, let us listen to their message and be guided by it.
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CALLED TO BE MESSENGERS: Jesus calls everyone in a unique way, giving each the mandate to preach the Good News. How do we respond to this calling? Today, we see Jesus conversing with Nathanael who was brought to Him by Philip. Philip became a messenger of the Good News to Nathanael, a true Israelite who could not believe that the Messiah could come from Nazareth. Upon meeting Jesus however, he believed. God sent His Angels to bring news to the one He had chosen. When chosen by God you will recognize His voice and His presence in your life. As we celebrate the feast of the Archangels: Gabriel, the messenger of good news, Raphael, the healer and Michael, the protector of God’s people, let us listen to their message and be guided by it.
DAILY GOSPEL 