＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, (or Revelation 12:7-12a)

looked and saw the following:

Some thrones were set in place and One of 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.

Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book. I continued watching the nocturnal vision: One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was 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.

 

Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

In the sight of the angels will sing your praises, Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

John 1:47-51

 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of 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.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

There is a movie starred by John Travolta entitled “Michael.”Its promotional poster says: “He is an angel, not a saint.”While the movie emphasizes more on the protagonist’s caprice and instincts, it speaks adequately of what angels are.

The visiting Michael inspires the depressed guy who thinks his problems can be solved only on his own. Michael invites the guy to open himself up and live close to higher forces and possibilities.

Angels live not by wings, swords, and stumping feet. They live by staying close to where God is. They make God known through worldly instruments like language, thought, and emotions but they do not impose on us.

They give us freedom to say our piece-like Gabriel before Mary. They are not like the devils who possess and render us enslaved. Angels demonstrate how we human beings are capable of living like God.