The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 7: 9-10,13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 138:1-5
John 1:47-51

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When Jesus saw Nathaniel, he remarked: 'This man is a true Israelite.' (see John 1:47)

Today we observe the feastday of the three archangels who have played key roles in God's service as messengers, guardians and warriors, exercising God's power for the good of heaven and earth. In today's scripture from the Book of Revelation, the Archangel Michael and those in his command defeated the rebellious Lucifer and his minions and cast them out of heaven. Seeking to avenge themselves, they came to earth to bring woe to God's human creatures as revealed to us in Genesis' account of man's fall from grace.

So, why did God permit this tragic event? Because God created angels and humans to live in His love and truth and to share His glory, He gave them free will; for no one can be forced to love. Genuine love is choosing to be totally and unconditionally committed to another. This becomes possible only if we first learn to love by drawing close to our Creator Who is Love, and choose to abide in Him. Without choice there would be no human accountability.

Nathaniel doubted his brother's claim that Jesus was the Savior, the One Israel awaited. But a wondrous event took place when Jesus told Nathaniel He had seen him in quiet solitude under a fig tree, undoubtedly at prayer. There is a secret communion between souls when God's Spirit is present in their hearts; and in that moment of recognition, Nathaniel saw Jesus as the Christ. Jesus affirms this by describing the connection He will re-established between heaven and earth when His mission is completed and He ascends to open heaven's portals for us to enter and share in His glory.

Father God, we thank You for sacrificing your beloved Son for our salvation. May we join in His sacrifice of love toward others that we may make Christ known in this world. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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posted by joachim at 6:18 AM