Daily Readings for September 29, 2016

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

1ST READING

The existence of angels is difficult to understand. They are incorporeal — they have no bodies and are purely spiritual. They have also  definitively made their choice for or against God. They no longer act with pure freedom. A good angel, like the archangels we celebrate today, will never turn his back on us. Let us understand the role of the messengers of God who accompany us on our faith journey.

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (or Revelation 12:7-12)

9 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. 10 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. 13 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, 14 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.

P S A L M

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5

R: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. (R) Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 4 All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O Lord, when  they hear the words of your mouth; 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord: “Great is the glory of the Lord.” (R)

GOSPEL

Angels can be trusted to be true to whatever God commands them. We  should seek to be like them — trustworthy and holy messengers of the Good News. Let us pray that we will be faithful to our calling and in serving the Kingdom. Let us ask the help of the angels. May we entrust our lives to their care knowing that they will lead us to the right way to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

John 1:47-51

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 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.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 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.” 51 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.”