DAILY- HOMILY

September 29, 2015 TUESDAY, 26TH Week in Ordinary Time

Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels 

Feast    , White               

Dn 7:9 - 10, 13 - 14 / Jn 1: 47 - 51

Reading: Dn 7: 9 - 10, 13 – 14

     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.

     Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book. 

     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 to him, "Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him." Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" 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:

     Today we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. 

     We know Michael, "Who is like God," as the great fighter for God against Lucifer and the bad angels.  Gabriel, "Strength of God," it was who brought the good news of our salvation to Mary at the annunciation; presumably Gabriel also informed Zechariah about the birth of the Precursor John the Baptist. Raphael, "Medicine of God," cured Tobit and blessed Tobias and Sara in their marriage. Raphael told Tobit, "I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of holy people and who stand before the glory of God." (Tb 12: 15)

     The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael had special roles in the Scriptures as messengers of God. Michael is often depicted and prayed to as a key lead fighter against evil and the enemies of God. Michael is a protector of the Church. Gabriel is forever associated with Mary at the Annunciation. Because of his role in the Book of Tobit, Raphael is prayed to for medical healing. 

     There is another celebration of the angels in the liturgical calendar, the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels on October 2. We believe that God has given or assigned a Guardian Angel for each human being.

     There are many instances in the Scriptures where God's presence is seen through an angel. In today's Gospel reading Jesus speaks of "the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." 

     In teaching the disciples on "the greatest in the kingdom of heaven," Jesus sets a child in their midst, "I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes lowly like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child in my name receives me." (Mt 18: 1 – 4)  And Jesus adds, "See that you do not despise any of these little ones, for I tell you: their angels in heaven continually see the face of the heavenly Father." (Mt 18: 10)

     We thank God for his loving care for us through the angels.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     FLORIDA UYTENGSU YOUNG

     GIRLIE P. DEL CARMEN

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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