GOD’S WORD

September 29, 2016 (Thursday) Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, archangels

1st Reading: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 (or Rev 12:7-12a)

I looked and saw the following: Some thrones were set in place and One of Great Age took his seat. His robe was white, as snow, his hair, white as washed wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of blazing fire. A river of fire sprang forth and flowed before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and a countless multitude stood before him. I continued watching the nocturnal vision: One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into his presence.

Dominion, honor and kingship were given him, and all the peoples and nations of every language served him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed.

Gospel: Jn 1:47-51

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, “Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.” Nathanael asked him, “How do you know me?” And Jesus said to him, “Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.”

Nathanael answered, “Master, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel!” But Jesus replied, “You believe because I said, ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ But you will see greater things than that.

Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Reflection:

About Michael, Christians must know something important. Many of us spontaneously oppose God and Satan, thus making Satan the counterpoise of God. But that is not possible, for Satan is a mere creature and God is the Creator, infinitely above any creature. No, the opposite number of Satan is Michael. And in the Book of Revelation, we see Michael kicking Satan out of Heaven. His name in Hebrew means “Who can compare with God?”

In the Christian liturgy Michael is the protector of the Church and the angel who escorts the souls of the departed into Heaven.