Daily Readings for September 29, 2017

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

1ST READING

Today, we celebrate the Feast Day of the Archangels. I am not sure how to explain them other than the way that I relate to them according to the meaning of their names. I turn to Michael when I need strength; to Raphael when there is a need for healing; and to Gabriel when I have made a mess of communicating things with others. This seems to me how the Scriptures present them, and so I try to follow that example.

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

There must have been something about Jesus that made Him different. How else is Nathaniel going to recognize that He is the Son of God? There will always be little hints or indications that signal a special presence of God for a time. We need to recognize them so that we can draw as much as we possibly can from them.

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 the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”