Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

Today’s readings draw back the veil on a reality we often overlook: heaven is not distant or indifferent. Daniel sees the Ancient One enthroned in glory, attended by countless servants, and “one like a son of man” receiving an everlasting kingdom. In the Gospel, Jesus promises Nathanael that he will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Both visions centre not on angels themselves, but on Christ, the Lord whom they worship and serve.

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael reveal three ways God draws near. Michael reminds us that evil does not have the final word; God’s justice and mercy will prevail. Gabriel announces God’s saving purposes and teaches us to listen with courage when the Lord asks something new of us. Raphael, companion and healer, assures us that God walks beside those who travel, suffer or search for wholeness. Their names turn our attention to God: “Who is like God?”, “God is my strength” and “God heals.”

This feast invites us to live with a renewed awareness of God’s unseen grace. We may not behold Daniel’s fiery throne or the opened heavens promised to Nathanael, yet every act of truth, every word of hope and every gesture of healing can become a sign of God’s kingdom among us. At the Eucharist, earth and heaven meet around the Son of Man. With the archangels, we are called to adore Christ and then to share in their mission: resisting what diminishes life, speaking God’s good news and accompanying those in need.

May Michael defend us, Gabriel strengthen our witness, and Raphael guide our steps, so that our lives point beyond themselves to the eternal reign of Christ.

Do you call on the intercession of the angels and saints for your needs?