Daily Readings for September 29, 2018

1st READING

When we speak about the angels and their roles in the work of salvation, we identify them according to what their names mean – Gabriel (messenger); Raphael (healer), and Michael (protector, he is made “like God”). The Church honors the archangels today (and on October 2). Let us be sensitive to their movements in our lives.

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, O 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

Relationships that last are founded on true encounters. Jesus suggests this when He challenges Nathaniel’s response about seeing him under the fig tree. He promises Nathaniel that there is more to this — he will encounter God in far more concrete ways. Let us pray for regular encounters with Jesus that will help to build our faith in Him.

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.”