DAILY- HOMILY

29 September 2016

Thursday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time

Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Feast.   White.            

Dn 7:9 – 10, 13 – 14 / Jn 1: 47 – 51

This Feast honors the Archangels:  Sts. Michael, "Who is Like God"; Gabriel, "Strength of God"; and Raphael, "Medicine of God."

1st Reading: Dn 7: 9 – 10, 13 – 14

I looked and saw the following:  Some thrones were set in place and one of the 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 the Great Age and 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.

From the Gospel Reading: 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?"  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

The Church's liturgical calendar has two celebrations in honor of the angelic hosts.  Today, 29 September, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. On 02 October we have the Memorial of the Guardian Angels. 

Almost all the Prefaces at Mass end with a mention of the angels: ". . . with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions, and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven we sing the hymn of your glory";   "with all the Angels and  Saints, we praise you as without end we acclaim."

The Feast of the Archangels specially honors three archangels who have had special mention and roles in the Scriptures.   

Michael, "Who is like God," is seen as the great warrior of God against the devil and all evil. Michael is mentioned in the Book of Daniel, in the Book of Revelation and in the Letter of Jude.

Gabriel, "the Power of God," is mentioned in the Book of Daniel and plays a key role in announcing the birth of Christ and of John the Baptist.

Raphael, "God has healed," is mentioned in the Book of Tobit.

In the Gospel reading where Jesus meets Nathanael, Jesus speaks to Nathanael about greater things for him to see, "the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."   (Jn 1: 51)

In the Opening Prayer at Mass we pray "that our life on earth may be defended by t hose who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven."

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Girlie P. del Carmen

     Ma. Mercedes 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!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+