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When we conceive something in our hearts from God, it’s so exciting. It’s easy to stay encouraged and full of faith during that time. But the real test is when we go through the development process. Are we willing to keep a good attitude even when we’re uncomfortable and things aren’t going our way? Are we willing to stand and fight the good fight of faith until we give birth to our dreams?

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12ab

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

J ohn 1:47-54 Jesus saw Nathan'a-el coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" (48) Nathan'a-el said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." (49) Nathan'a-el answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (50) Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." (51) And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Meditation by Bert Thelen, S.J.

A few years ago, a favorite folk singer of mine, Kathy Mattea, recorded a song that reminded us “He keeps sending me angels – just like you.”  I suggest this as a theme for today’s reflection.  Angels, we believe, are messengers from God who protect us, heal us, call us, send us, unite us. Michael the Archangel fought against evil (the accuser, the one who deceives) and prevailed. Gabriel, of course, announced to Mary her role as Mother and First Disciple of Jesus. And Raphael was the healer and guide of Tobit, confirming him in his marriage to Sarah.

Each of us might well ask ourselves how and through whom have we learned about God’s presence, message, and plan for us.  Each of our three readings offers us a clue for understanding how this works.  In the first reading is, “One like a Son of Man”; in the Psalm, “Now have salvation and power come and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his anointed.” And in the Gospel words of Jesus, “Amen, amen I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

We live in the Reign of God, the Kingdom of God’s love. “A new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world has been renewed, and human kind has once again been made whole,” as we sing in the Easter preface.

Prayer for me today, and I hope for you, is recognition and gratitude for how, when, and in whom this has been revealed to us.  Who are the angels, the messengers, God keeps sending me?  Then we all sing together, “In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord.”

Supplementary Meditation

Giving Birth to Your Dreams

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world - John 16:21

Y ears ago when we first found out that Victoria was pregnant, we were so excited. Even though she didn’t look any different on the outside, we began planning and preparing for our new baby. Then as time went on, we moved out of the fun, easy stage of conception and into that much more difficult stage of development. That’s when the mother becomes uncomfortable, swollen, can’t sleep at night, her back aches. Things seem to get the hardest right before the birthing begins.

In a sense, it’s the same way in our spiritual lives. When we conceive something in our hearts from God, it’s so exciting. It’s easy to stay encouraged and full of faith during that time. But the real test is when we go through the development process. Are we willing to keep a good attitude even when we’re uncomfortable and things aren’t going our way? Are we willing to stand and fight the good fight of faith until we give birth to our dreams?

If you’re standing for something today, keep standing. Keep believing even when you don’t see anything happening. Hold on to that promise even when it’s uncomfortable because soon you will give birth to every dream and desire the Lord has placed in your heart!

Father in heaven, thank You for the dreams and desires You’ve planted in my heart. Give me the strength to persevere even when times are hard. Give me Your peace and joy so that I can stand strong until I see those dreams and desires come to pass. In Jesus' Name. Amen. – Joel & Victoria Osteen

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

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