29 Sep
Fri
The Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel & Raphael
Dan. 7:9-10,13-14
Ps. 138(137):1-3,4-5
Rev. 12:7-12
Jn. 1:47-51
(Ps Wk I)
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When we look at what a mess the world is in, it is natural to wish for a 'superhero' to come and make everything right. The Jews who suffered great persecution longed for the tyrannical and unjust rulers and regimes of the earth to be swept away and for the wicked to be judged and punished. The early Christians expressed the same hopes in the Book of Revelation. By now we should know that God does not do the job for us or clean up our mess. God will give us the inspiration, grace, courage, and spirit to do these things but in the end the effort will be ours. The archangels are those messengers from God who walk with us to aid and encourage us along the way. We are never alone and we are never without inner resources.

Jesus surprised Nathanael because he already knew everything about him. Nathanael proclaimed him the Son of God and King of Israel, but Jesus replied that these titles were noting compared to what Nathanael would soon see: angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man. The gateway between heaven and earth would soon be open, not only for the Son of Man but for all humanity. We should not be surprised that messengers from God walk and work among us. Often they are not recognized because they do not come in the dramatic form that we see in art and piety but they are no less real. Again, we are never alone and we can practise looking for the quiet and hidden ways that the angels accomplish their mission.



Lord, help me to see Your hidden presence in my life.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.
Elaboration

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