The feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael honors the three angelic messengers named in Scripture — Michael, “Who is like God?”, the defender of God's people; Gabriel, “God is my strength,” who announced the birth of Christ; and Raphael, “God heals,” the companion and healer of the Book of Tobit. In the first reading (Daniel 7:9-14), the prophet sees the Ancient One enthroned in fire, “thousands upon thousands” ministering to him, and “One like a son of man” receiving everlasting dominion. Psalm 138 sings, “in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.” In the Gospel (John 1:47-51), Jesus sees Nathanael under the fig tree and promises, “you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” — the ladder of Jacob's dream, now revealed to be Christ himself.
First Reading
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
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.
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.
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,
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.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 138(137):1-2a,2bc-3,4-5
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;
I will worship at your holy temple.
I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD:
"Great is the glory of the LORD."
Gospel
John 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him."
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."
Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
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."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Readings provided by Evangelizo. Scripture texts used with permission.
Metanoia
A quiet daily companion that takes today's Mass readings and reflects them back through what you're actually living.