Message of the Day
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One's theology, whether formally acknowledged as such or not, often provides the basis for what one chooses to do with
one's life, and the meaning one sees in life itself. If God is viewed by someone as a vindictive, abusive patriarch, the chances are good that that core theological belief will be reflected in that person's day-to-day affairs. Likewise, theology also lies at the base of a moral or ethical perspective, which can profoundly affect social and personal relations.
- Rev. Canon William Stroop
(How do your beliefs about God influence your attitudes and actions? Are you satisfied with your level of theological understanding?)
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Readings of the Day
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DN 7:9-10, 13-14; PS 138:1-5; JN 1:47-51
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
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
and give thanks to your name.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
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
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Gospel
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"Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven." -Revelation 12:7-8
Angels, being invisible, are hard for us to understand. Yet angels do take on bodies. This at least gives
us a clue regarding the mentality of the angels. Angels usually appear in the Bible either as the average man (Heb 13:2) or as gigantic creatures (Rv 19:17). As far as I know, they never appear as fat little babies with wings. This common picture of angels tells us more about our confused state of mind than about angels.
Angels are formidable creatures who will attack demons. They do not just
float around on clouds and occasionally resist Satan. Aggressively they take the offensive against Satan, who desperately tries to defend himself (Rv 12:7).
Therefore, spiritual warfare is nothing for us to hang our heads about but to rejoice in. Satan is the one who should be discouraged about spiritual warfare. He's the loser. We, along with the angels, are "more than conquerors" in Jesus (Rm
8:37).
PRAYER: Father, may I get to know the three archangels personally and talk to them daily.
PROMISE: "I solemnly assure you, you shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." -Jn 1:51
PRAISE: St. Michael thrusts into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Praise You, Lord, for providing such mighty helpers!
mycatholic.com
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Spiritual Reading
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Freedom from Codependency, by Philip St. Romain
Chapter 6: What is Christian Love?
- part 9 of 12
- The Nature of Christian Love -
What about sin? Does God love us even when we sin?
These questions are answered clearly in Christ's teaching and life. Yes, God loves us even when we sin. There is not one example in Scripture of Christ turning away from someone because that person was too bad for him. In fact, it was precisely his willingness to be available to sinners that scandalized the Jewish leaders. So we can have no doubt about it: God loves sinners, and this means
you!
Unlike dysfunctional people, however, Christ made a distinction between person and behavior. He loved people, but he frequently disagreed with and confronted unhealthy and sinful behavior. He did not judge people on the basis of behavior, but he did judge behavior on the basis of whether or not it was moral or immoral. "Love the sinner, but hate the sin" was his
attitude.
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